Barbra Streisand Reveals the Truth About Lady Gaga: ‘I Call Her Stefani’ — Her Surprising Confession About the Woman Behind the Name and Why She Believes Gaga Is Destined for Something Huge
It’s not often that two musical powerhouses from different generations openly share admiration for one another, but when Barbra Streisand talks about Lady Gaga, it’s clear that her words come from a place of deep respect and connection. In a candid conversation, Streisand offered a rare glimpse into her thoughts about Gaga — and the story behind why she refuses to call her by the name the world knows her by.
“I call her Stefani,” Streisand admitted with a warm smile. “I can’t bring myself to call her Lady Gaga, but I totally understand why she chose that name for herself. I really get the person behind that name. It’s actually wonderful.”
For Streisand — one of the most decorated performers in music and film history — to not only embrace Gaga’s stage persona but also speak to the essence of the woman behind it, says more than any award or headline ever could.
A Legendary Name, a Personal Connection
When Streisand says she understands Gaga’s name, she’s talking about more than a moniker. She’s talking about identity, transformation, and artistry.
“Names can carry power,” Streisand explained. “When you choose a name like Lady Gaga, you’re creating a world, an armor, a story that allows you to be bigger than life. But underneath it, there’s Stefani — a deeply creative, deeply feeling person. And I see that.”
Her words strip away the spectacle of Gaga’s larger‑than‑life persona and reveal what many fans suspect but rarely get to hear affirmed: behind the dazzling costumes and theatrical performances is a woman with a vision, a purpose, and a soul that refuses to be boxed in.
The A Star Is Born Connection
Streisand’s relationship with Gaga took on a new depth with the 2018 release of A Star Is Born, a story Streisand herself brought to life decades earlier. While many were quick to compare the two versions, Streisand approached the new film with an open heart.
“Each version of A Star Is Born brings something different,” Streisand said. “The one we made in 1976 was ours, and this new one is theirs. And they brought something fresh, something raw. It’s a different time, and it needed a different voice. Gaga delivered that.”
Streisand was more than impressed — she was moved. “She has an ability to connect with people in a way that feels personal. That’s rare. You can’t teach that.”
Why She Believes Gaga Is Destined for Greatness
Streisand didn’t stop at praising Gaga’s performance — she made a bold prediction about her future.
“I think she’s going to achieve something huge,” she said, her tone filled with conviction. “And I don’t just mean in music. She has this energy, this ability to speak to people’s hearts. That kind of gift goes beyond charts and box offices. It changes culture.”
Her words echo what many have felt watching Gaga’s rise — that she isn’t simply a pop star or an actress, but a force of nature. Someone who, like Streisand herself, refuses to be confined to one role, one box, one identity.
Two Women, One Unspoken Bond
While Streisand and Gaga are separated by decades in age and experience, there’s an unspoken bond between them — an understanding of what it means to create art under the weight of public expectation.
“People don’t always realize how much courage it takes to put yourself out there,” Streisand said. “To be vulnerable in front of the world. Gaga does that. And I respect her for it.”
It’s clear that Streisand sees in Gaga a reflection of her younger self: a trailblazer willing to push boundaries and challenge norms while staying true to her heart.
More Than Just Compliments
For Gaga’s fans, Streisand’s words are more than compliments — they’re validation. Validation that their favorite artist isn’t just a performer, but someone who has earned the respect of one of the greatest living legends.
But for Streisand, this isn’t about flattery. It’s about recognizing greatness in the making. “She’s an artist in the truest sense,” Streisand said. “She’s not afraid to take risks. And that’s what makes her unforgettable.”
A Passing of the Torch?
Some have interpreted Streisand’s admiration for Gaga as a symbolic passing of the torch — one generation of groundbreaking women recognizing the power of the next.
When asked if she sees Gaga as a successor of sorts, Streisand paused. “I don’t think of it that way,” she said finally. “We’re all part of the same story. Different chapters, different voices. But we’re telling the same truth — that art matters, that emotion matters, that connection matters.”
A Moment Fans Won’t Forget
In a world where celebrity interactions often feel staged or superficial, Streisand’s words about Gaga stand out for their sincerity. This wasn’t a rehearsed soundbite or a polite nod to another star. It was a heartfelt reflection from one artist to another — a moment of connection across time, space, and genre.
As Streisand put it: “I really get the person behind that name. And I can’t wait to see what she does next.”
For Gaga, who has built her career on defying expectations and redefining what it means to be an artist, there may be no greater compliment than that.
And for fans, it’s a moment worth savoring: two icons, two generations, united by a shared understanding of what it means to be truly great.
