Barbara Streisand would consider stopping the concerts.
The octogenarian took the stage at the 2026 Oscars as part of a special tribute to her longtime friend. Robert Redforddied in September at the age of 89.
However, the performance reportedly sparked a wave of criticism online, which is believed to be behind Barbra Streisand’s alleged decision.
Barbra Streisand knows her voice isn’t what it once was
The 2026 Oscars included a special segment dedicated to a tribute to Robert Redford, who died last year.
As part of the tribute, Streisand, who starred with the actor in “The Way We Were,” gave a very personal speech and sang the iconic song associated with their 1973 film.
But to his surprise, the performance sparked a wave of criticism from several netizens, many of whom claimed that his voice was no longer what it used to be.
According to a source who spoke with Rob Shuter’s #ShuterScoop, the story has now caused Streisand to start considering quitting concerts, although she hasn’t been fazed by the criticism.
“Babs doesn’t care what people say about her,” a close source said, explaining the decision to the outlet. “She never did.”
“She’s watched the show, listened to the recording and she knows the voice isn’t what it once was,” the source said.
The singer believes she has nothing left to prove
Speaking more about Streisand, the source claimed that the EGOT winner refuses to be guided by the potential money she could make by continuing to perform with a fading voice, unlike many other aging stars.
“Barbra would never go there just to collect a paycheck,” the source said. “She doesn’t need the money and she has nothing left to prove.”
For the actress, she thinks it would be better for people to remember how good she was, rather than see the legacy she built crumble as her voice declines with age.
“I would prefer to be remembered at her best,” the source continued. “Not compared to a version of herself from 50 years ago.”
While Streisand may still choose to release more music in the near future, her fans shouldn’t expect to see her on tour or at concerts where all of her frailties are on clear display.
“You won’t see Barbra on tour again,” the source also noted. “For her, the chapter of the show closed last night. It’s over.”
Barbra Streisand’s voice during the Oscars tribute to Robert Redford was criticized
Much of the criticism surrounding Streisand’s performance for her late friend centered on her voice, with many fearing that the legendary singer had lost her ability to sing.
“Cats in heat screaming late at night sound better than Barbra Streisand,” one user wrote on X.
“Barbra Streisand [is] It’s starting to sound his age, oh no we need the immortality potion STAT,” one fan said.
“I’m crying I hate this horrible Barbra Streisand tribute…it was like,” a third user noted.
Another person commented: “I thought it was shocking. His mic was crap and his voice sounded the same. So disappointing.”
Internet users claim that the singer paid tribute to Robert Redford herself
Some users also criticized the veteran star for allegedly making the Redford tribute solely about herself.
“I can’t believe Barbra Streisand just did a tribute to Robert Redford about him,” one wrote.
Another person commented: “Barbara Streisand is that friend at the funeral that makes everything about her lmaooo because girl WHAT.”
Despite the wave of criticism, the actress received support from some loyal fans.
“Barbra Streisand’s tribute to Robert Redford literally made me cry. I didn’t expect her to start singing, but when she did it completely broke me,” one person said.
What Barbra Streisand Said About Her Late Friend, Robert Redford
As part of Streisand’s tribute to Redford, she recalled their time in “The Way We Were,” the 1973 romantic drama that has since become a classic among moviegoers.
“After reading the first script for The Way We Were, I could only imagine one man in the role of Hubbell. [Gardiner]and it was Robert Redford,” Streisand said, according to the Rolling stone. “But he refused because he said the character had no backbone; he didn’t stand for anything. And he was right. Many drafts later, Bob finally agreed to do it,” she said.
Midway through the speech, she praised Redford, describing him as a “brilliant” and “subtle” actor who she had a “wonderful time” working with on set.
Streisand also spoke about her late friend’s humanitarian activities, including his work to protect the press, the environment and emerging artists.
She added: “He spoke out to defend press freedom, protect the environment and encourage new voices at his Sundance Institute, some of which are in the running for the Oscars tonight, which is great. He was thoughtful and bold. I called him an ‘intellectual cowboy’…And I miss him more than ever.”
