Barbra Streisand is reportedly considering quitting live performances.
The octogenarian took the stage on the 2026 Oscars as a part of a special tribute to her longtime friend Robert Redford, who died in September on the age of 89.
Nonetheless, the performance reportedly sparked a wave of criticism online, which is alleged to be behind Barbra Streisand’s alleged decision.
Barbra Streisand Knows Her Voice Isn’t What It Once Was
The 2026 Oscar Awards included a special segment dedicated to a tribute to Robert Redford, who passed away last yr.
As a part of the tribute, Streisand, who starred with the actor in “The Way We Were,” delivered a really personal speech and sang the enduring song related to their 1973 film.
But to her surprise, the performance drew a wave of criticism from several netizens, lots of whom claimed that her voice wasn’t what it was once.
In accordance with a source who spoke with Rob Shuter’s #ShuterScoop, the narrative has now pushed Streisand to start considering quitting live performances, although she was not fazed by the criticism.
“Babs doesn’t care what people say about her,” one insider said, explaining the choice to the outlet. “She never has.”
“She watched the performance, listened to the recording, and he or she knows the voice isn’t what it once was,” the source says.
The Singer Feels She Has Nothing Left To Prove
Speaking further about Streisand, the source claimed that the EGOT winner refuses to be driven by the potential money she could make by continuing to perform with fading vocals, unlike many other aging stars.
“Barbra won’t ever go on the market just to gather a paycheck,” said the source. “She doesn’t need the cash, and he or she has nothing left to prove.”
For the actress, she believes it could be best for people to recollect how good she once was, slightly than watch the legacy she has built disintegrate as her singing voice declines with age.
“She would slightly be remembered at her best,” continued the source. “Not in comparison with a version of herself from 50 years ago.”
While Streisand might still decide to release more music within the near future, her fans shouldn’t expect to see her on tour or in live performances where all of her frailties can be clearly exposed.
“You won’t see Barbra on tour again,” the source also noted. “For her, the performing chapter closed last night. It’s over.”
Barbra Streisand’s Voice During The Oscars Tribute To Robert Redford Was Criticized
Much of the criticism about Streisand’s performance for her late friend centered on her voice, with many anxious that the legendary singer had lost her ability to sing.
“Cats in heat screaming late at night sound higher than Barbra Streisand,” one netizen wrote on X.
“Barbra Streisand [is] beginning to sound her age, oh no, we want the immortality potion STAT,” said a fan.
“I’m crying aty moots hating that horrible a-s Barbra Streisand tribute bit… it was a-s,” a 3rd user noted.
Yet another person commented, “I assumed it was shocking. Her mic was crap, and her voice sounded the identical. So disappointing.”
Netizens Claim The Singer Made The Robert Redford Tribute ‘All About’ Herself
Some users also criticized the veteran star for allegedly making the tribute to Redford all about herself.
“Cannot imagine Barbra Streisand just made a Robert Redford tribute all about … her,” one wrote.
One other individual commented, “Barbara Streisand is that friend on the funeral making every little thing about themselves lmaooo cause girl WHAT.”
Despite the wave of criticism, the actress did receive some support from some loyal fans.
“Barbra Streisand’s tribute to Robert Redford literally brought me to tears. I didn’t expect her to interrupt out into song, but when she did, it totally broke me,” a person remarked.
What Barbra Streisand Said About Her Late Friend, Robert Redford
As a part of Streisand’s tribute to Redford, she recalled their time on “The Way We Were,” the 1973 romantic drama that has since turn into a classic amongst movie lovers.
“After I read the primary script of The Way We Were, I could only imagine one man within the role of Hubbell [Gardiner], and that was Robert Redford,” Streisand said, per the Rolling Stone. “But he turned it down because he said the character had no backbone; he doesn’t stand for anything. And he was right. So many drafts later, Bob finally agreed to do it,” she said.
Midway through the speech, she heaped praise on Redford, describing him as a “sensible” and “subtle” actor with whom she had a “wonderful time” working on set.
Streisand also touched on her late friend’s humanitarian activities, including his work to guard the press, the environment, and emerging entertainers.
She added, “He spoke as much as defend freedom of the press, protect the environment, and encourage latest voices at his Sundance Institute, and a few of whom are up for Oscars tonight, which is so great. He was thoughtful and daring. I called him an ‘mental cowboy,’…And I miss him now greater than ever.”