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Unrecorded Collaboration: Barbra Streisand, Madonna, and Bette Midler

In 1993, Barbra Streisand showcased her remarkable talent with the release of her second album centered on Broadway, titled Back to Broadway. This collection featured a variety of beloved show tunes such as “Some Enchanted Evening,” “The Music of the Night,” and “As if We Never Said Goodbye.” However, one significant collaboration that fans anticipated was ultimately left off the album.

During an interview, producer Jay Landers revealed that Streisand had planned to collaborate with pop icon Madonna on a new version of the classic song “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” from the musical Annie Get Your Gun. David Foster worked on a demo for the track, but the creative team later envisioned transforming the song into a trio that would also include Bette Midler.

The humorous arrangement included a comedic skit in which, following the song, Midler and Madonna would venture into the ladies’ room to discuss their frustrations with Streisand. Landers recounted, “And then we hear another stall open and [Streisand] go, ‘Ladies, I’m in here.'” This playful setup added an entertaining twist to their performance.

In their version, each performer’s verse would uniquely reflect their individual careers—Madonna’s featuring a lively disco beat, while Midler’s would draw inspiration from her well-known hit, “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Despite the excitement surrounding this collaboration, the track never came to fruition after Madonna withdrew from the project just before recording.

Barbra Streisand’s illustrious career spans multiple facets of the entertainment industry, making her a notable figure with numerous accolades to her name. She has received two Academy Awards, five Emmy Awards, and ten Grammy Awards, including both the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Legend Award. Additionally, her singular achievement as the first woman to direct, produce, write, and star in a major motion picture with Yentl set a precedent in Hollywood. Streisand also made history as the first female composer to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song, for “Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born).”

Source
www.broadwayworld.com