Melissa McCarthy and Barbra Streisand first met when they collaborated on a rendition of “Anything You Can Do” from Annie Get Your Gun, which was featured on Streisand’s 2016 album, Encore. The pair hit it off and McCarthy described Streisand as really funny in an interview with Entertainment Weekly in June 2023. Streisand made headlines in April 2024 when she commented on a McCarthy’s Instagram post inquiring about the weight-loss drug Ozempic. McCarthy defended her pal, saying she loves Streisand and thinks she is a treasure. The drama surrounding Streisand’s comment led to speculation that she intended to send the message privately to McCarthy. Streisand cleared up the controversy on Instagram, explaining that she simply wanted to pay McCarthy a compliment.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in June 2023, McCarthy recalled feeling nervous when she first met Streisand. She had expected a dignified greeting from the singer, but instead found Streisand wearing leggings and holding lunch meat. Despite her nerves, McCarthy found Streisand’s down-to-earth personality charming, as the singer kept eating lunch meat during their meeting. McCarthy described the experience as surprising and heartwarming, as Streisand’s casual and approachable demeanor helped ease her anxiety.
Recalling the moment she was asked to be featured on Streisand’s Encore album, McCarthy admitted she thought it was a prank. During an episode of The Kelly Clarkson Show in September 2021, McCarthy revealed that she initially couldn’t believe it when her manager told her Streisand wanted to do a duet with her. However, the experience of working with Streisand turned out to be surreal and collaborative, with Streisand being open to working out the details of the duet with McCarthy. McCarthy appreciated Streisand’s down-to-earth and collaborative approach, despite her legendary status in the entertainment industry.
Once McCarthy realized Streisand’s request to duet on Encore was genuine, she knew she couldn’t pass up the opportunity, even if it meant potentially embarrassing herself. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live in December 2020, McCarthy shared that she had lost her pride long ago and felt it was worth it to be in the same room as Streisand, regardless of the outcome. The experience of recording the duet with Streisand was one that McCarthy felt was too valuable to turn down, even if it meant facing her fears of potentially failing in front of a legendary performer like Streisand.
The duo’s collaboration on “Anything You Can Do” showcased their comedic chemistry, with playful banter about being friends and their age gap. McCarthy teased Streisand by suggesting she could play her mom, to which Streisand countered by suggesting she could be McCarthy’s sister. Despite their lighthearted back-and-forth, Streisand praised McCarthy as delightful and funny after they had recorded the song together. The joking dynamic between the two women highlighted their mutual admiration and respect for each other as performers, while also showcasing their ability to connect and have fun while working together.
