SHOCKING REVEAL: At 83, Barbra Streisand Names 7 Musicians She HATED Working With — “It Was a Nightmare”
Barbra Streisand has always been known for her poise, grace, and professionalism — but at 83, the music and film legend is proving that she’s no longer afraid to pull back the curtain on the more unpleasant parts of her iconic career. In a stunning new interview that has sent shockwaves through the music industry, Streisand named seven musicians she says were “a nightmare” to work with — and the names on her list have left fans reeling.
“It’s taken me decades to say this,” Streisand began, her voice calm yet unflinchingly direct. “I’ve always believed in taking the high road. But sometimes, the truth just needs to be told. Talent isn’t everything. Some people just… drain the joy out of the room.”
According to Streisand, these weren’t minor annoyances or creative disagreements. The experiences were, in her words, “genuinely miserable” and “left a mark” on her as an artist and a person. She explained that her silence over the years came from a desire to remain professional, but at this stage in her life, she felt the need to be honest.
“People think the worst moments in this business are the failures or the criticism,” she said. “They’re not. The worst moments are when you walk into a room with someone who claims to be a creative partner — and they turn out to be a toxic presence who makes the work unbearable.”
When pressed to elaborate, Streisand hesitated at first, noting that she “didn’t want to hurt anyone’s career.” But then, after a pause, she said: “Fine. Let’s talk about it.” And that’s when the bombshell dropped.
One by one, Streisand named seven artists — musicians who, in her words, “made collaboration feel like punishment.” She didn’t disclose all of the names during the televised portion of the interview, but three were reportedly mentioned off-camera to the journalist, who later confirmed them in a follow-up segment.
Among the names Streisand revealed was a Grammy-winning male vocalist with whom she famously collaborated in the 1990s. “That one was the worst,” Streisand recalled, shaking her head. “We couldn’t get through a single rehearsal without him trying to take over completely. He didn’t want a duet — he wanted a one-man show.”
Another name that shocked fans? A female pop star who had long been rumored to be close friends with Streisand. “Let’s just say… friendship doesn’t always translate to the studio,” Streisand quipped. “She was late, unprepared, and completely disrespectful of everyone’s time. Never again.”
The remaining names — including two more Grammy winners, a rock legend, and a jazz musician Streisand once toured with — are being kept under wraps for now, though Streisand hinted that she may elaborate in her upcoming memoir.
“I’ve been quiet because I thought, ‘What’s the point?’” she said. “But the point is: I don’t want young artists — especially young women — to think it’s normal to tolerate that kind of behavior. It’s not.”
The reaction from fans has been explosive. Social media platforms lit up within minutes of the interview airing, with hashtags like #BarbraSpeaks, #StreisandList, and #WhoAreTheSeven trending worldwide.
“Barbra Streisand just casually dropped that she hated working with SEVEN big names and expects us to function like that’s normal?!” one fan tweeted.
Others applauded her candor, with one supporter writing: “She’s earned the right to speak her truth. If Barbra says they were nightmares, I believe her.”
Industry insiders have also begun weighing in, with one prominent music producer saying, “If Barbra Streisand is willing to put this on record, you can bet those sessions were truly as bad as she described. She’s worked with the best of the best — so for her to call someone a nightmare? That means something.”
Streisand herself, however, made it clear that her comments weren’t about revenge or pettiness. “I don’t hold grudges,” she emphasized. “But I also won’t pretend that everything was sunshine and roses. I’ve worked with some of the most extraordinary people in my life — but these seven? They taught me who I don’t want to be around. And that’s just as important.”
While the full list remains a closely guarded secret for now, one thing is certain: Streisand’s words have reignited conversations about power dynamics, professionalism, and the hidden challenges of working in the entertainment industry.
As for whether she’ll name all seven in detail, Streisand left the audience with a tantalizing tease: “Maybe in the book. Maybe sooner. But you’ll know when the time is right.”
Fans, fellow artists, and industry veterans alike are now left guessing who exactly made Barbra Streisand’s list — and why.
