Barbra Streisand is reportedly considering quitting live performances.
The octogenarian took the stage at the 2026 Oscars as part of a special tribute to her longtime friend Robert Redford, who died in September at the age of 89.
However, the performance reportedly sparked a wave of criticism online, which is said 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 year.
As part of the tribute, Streisand, who starred with the actor in “The Way We Were,” delivered a very personal speech and sang the iconic song associated with their 1973 film.
But to her surprise, the performance drew a wave of criticism from several netizens, many of whom claimed that her voice wasn’t what it used to be.
According to a source who spoke with Rob Shuter’s #ShuterScoop, the narrative has now pushed Streisand to begin considering quitting live performances, even though she was not fazed by the criticism.
“Babs doesn’t care what people say about her,” one insider said, explaining the decision to the outlet. “She never has.”
“She watched the performance, listened to the recording, and 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 will never go out there just to collect a paycheck,” said the source. “She doesn’t need the money, and she has nothing left to prove.”
For the actress, she believes it would be best for people to remember how good she once was, rather than watch the legacy she has built fall apart as her singing voice declines with age.
“She would rather be remembered at her best,” continued the source. “Not compared to a version of herself from 50 years ago.”
While Streisand might still choose to release more music in the near future, her fans shouldn’t expect to see her on tour or in live performances where all of her frailties would 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 worried that the legendary singer had lost her ability to sing.
“Cats in heat screaming late at night sound better than Barbra Streisand,” one netizen wrote on X.
“Barbra Streisand [is] starting to sound her age, oh no, we need 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 third user noted.
One more person commented, “I thought it was shocking. Her mic was crap, and her voice sounded the same. 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 believe Barbra Streisand just made a Robert Redford tribute all about … her,” one wrote.
Another individual commented, “Barbara Streisand is that friend at the funeral making everything 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 did not expect her to break out into song, but when she did, it totally broke me,” an individual remarked.
What Barbra Streisand Said About Her Late Friend, Robert Redford
As part of Streisand’s tribute to Redford, she recalled their time on “The Way We Were,” the 1973 romantic drama that has since become a classic among movie lovers.
“After I read the first script of The Way We Were, I could only imagine one man in 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 “brilliant” 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 protect the press, the environment, and emerging entertainers.
She added, “He spoke up to defend freedom of the press, protect the environment, and encourage new voices at his Sundance Institute, and some of whom are up for Oscars tonight, which is so great. He was thoughtful and bold. I called him an ‘intellectual cowboy,’…And I miss him now more than ever.”
