Madonna, Barbra Streisand, and Bette Midler were reportedly close to recording a classic Broadway song together. In a surprise revelation, shared on the Barbra Archives podcast in January 2023 and recirculated on March 18, it was disclosed that there were discussions about a collaboration between the three legendary singers. The potential collaboration was intended for Streisand’s 1993 album Back to Broadway. The idea came about during the album’s production process when the team considered a rendition of “Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better” from the iconic musical ‘Annie Get Your Gun’.
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According to Jay Landers, Streisand’s A&R representative, the plan was for Madonna, Bette Midler, and Streisand to come together for this special project. A demo of the song was created by David Foster, tailored to showcase the distinct styles of each artist. Madonna was set to infuse her disco flair into the song, while Midler would bring her signature charm with a nod to “Wind Beneath My Wings”. The concept aimed to showcase a blend of their individual sounds in a creative and clever arrangement.
The envisioned performance of the song was meant to be in a public ladies’ restroom, with Madonna and Midler engaging in banter before Streisand made a grand entrance, revealing she had overheard everything. Despite the excitement and anticipation surrounding this unique collaboration, Madonna unexpectedly pulled out of the project at the last minute, leaving the trio incomplete. Landers described this as a missed opportunity, leaving it unclear whether Madonna personally declined or if there were other factors at play.
While Madonna, Midler, and Streisand did not come together for this particular Broadway recording, the album did feature notable collaborations with other artists. Johnny Mathis joined Streisand for a rendition of “I Have a Love/One Hand, One Heart” from West Side Story, and Michael Crawford, Streisand’s Hello, Dolly! costar, lent his vocals to “Music of the Night” from Phantom of the Opera. Streisand’s longstanding connection to Broadway was evident throughout her career, with key moments like her Tony Award nomination and special Tony Award win celebrating her contributions to the stage.
It is fascinating to uncover the behind-the-scenes stories of potential collaborations among music legends like Madonna, Barbra Streisand, and Bette Midler. The world of entertainment is full of such intriguing what-if scenarios, adding to the mystique and allure of these iconic figures. Despite this missed opportunity, their individual contributions to music and Broadway continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, cementing their status as enduring pillars of the industry.
As fans reminisce about this near-collaboration that never came to fruition, it serves as a reminder of the magic that could have been, had these powerhouse vocalists joined forces on a classic Broadway tune. While the trio may not have sung together on this occasion, their combined influence and talent have left an indelible mark on the world of music, ensuring that their legacy endures for generations to come.