Madonna, Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler Almost-Collaborated on Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better; Know More

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Madonna, Barbra Streisand, and Bette Midler once planned to sing a song together, but it never happened. The three famous singers were supposed to record a special version of Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better from the musical Annie Get Your Gun for Streisand’s 1993 album Back to Broadway. However, even though they agreed to do it, the plan fell apart before they could record it.

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The idea for this song came when Streisand and her team were choosing tracks for her album. Music producer David Foster created a new version of the song that would highlight each singer's unique style. Madonna’s part was meant to have a fun disco beat, while Bette Midler’s section would include a small tribute to her famous song Wind Beneath My Wings. The whole scene was imagined as a playful fight between Madonna and Midler inside a public restroom. During their argument, Streisand would surprise them by stepping out of a bathroom stall to stop their squabble.

Jay Landers, Streisand’s music advisor, said that everything was ready, and all three singers had agreed to record the song. But just before they were supposed to start, Madonna suddenly backed out. She gave no clear reason for leaving the project. Despite efforts to continue, the collaboration was canceled.

Landers later called it a "missed chance," saying it could have been an unforgettable moment where pop and Broadway music came together. It was a rare opportunity to hear three powerful singers on one track, but it slipped away.

Since the trio didn’t record the song, Streisand added different duets to her album. She sang I Have a Love/One Hand, One Heart from West Side Story with Johnny Mathis. She also teamed up with Michael Crawford, her Hello, Dolly! co-star, to sing Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera.

Even though fans never got to hear the Madonna, Streisand, and Midler song, Back to Broadway still became a hit. It showed off Streisand’s talent for singing Broadway music.

Streisand’s influence on Broadway is still strong. She started her theater career at just 19 years old in I Can Get It for You Wholesale and earned a Tony nomination. In 1970, she was given a special Tony Award for her outstanding work in theater.

The canceled song with Madonna and Midler is now remembered as one of music’s biggest "what if" moments. It could have been a legendary performance but instead became a dream that was never realized.