From the golden era of Hollywood to our contemporary times, one voice has remained iconic and influential — Barbra Streisand.
With an illustrious career that spans over six decades, Streisand’s powerful vocals, emotional depth, and theatrical flair have made her an enduring figure in the music industry.
In this piece, we journey into the world of music to discover 13 incredible singers like Barbra Streisand. These artists, each unique in their own right, mirror facets of Streisand’s distinctive style. Ready? Let’s get started!
1. Céline Dion
A monumental figure in the music industry, the Canadian singer Céline Dion‘s artistic career is a testament to her immense talent and dedication. Working primarily within the pop ballad tradition, she has recorded numerous hit albums in both French and English, earning her the title Queen of Power Ballads.
Many of her releases, albums, and singles alike, have topped charts not just in Canada but also in the US and other countries. Notable fan-favorite tracks are “The Power of Love,” “Because You Loved Me,” and her signature piece, “My Heart Will Go On.”
Céline has sold an astounding 220 million albums over her 30-year career, making her one of the most successful artists ever. Her voice, often compared to the emotive and powerful vocal style of Barbra Streisand, has touched millions globally.
2. Whitney Houston
The music career of our next singer, Whitney Houston, took off to the skies with her exquisite vocal range and soulful singing capabilities, hence her nickname: The Voice.
During the 1980s and ’90s, she managed to secure a place in the hearts of audiences worldwide through songs like “Saving All My Love for You,” “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me),” and the Grammy Record of the Year (1994) “I Will Always Love You.”
Similar to Barbra Streisand, Houston’s vocal style was distinctive and influential. She won numerous awards, including six Grammys, 22 American Music Awards, and 30 Billboard Music Awards.
Houston’s untimely death in February 2012 was a major loss to the music community. However, her legacy lives on through her music.
3. Judy Garland
With her powerful voice and magnetic performances, Judy Garland rocked the Hollywood stage. Known as a legend in the film industry, she demonstrated undeniable talent throughout her career.
From Broadway shows to iconic movies like A Star Is Born, Garland’s contributions are monumental. She is perhaps best known for her role as Dorothy Gale in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, where her rendition of “Over the Rainbow” became an iconic piece of American cinema.
In addition to her acting career, Garland was a successful recording artist. Her live concert performances were highly acclaimed, particularly her 1961 concert at Carnegie Hall, which won five Grammy Awards. While Streisand made waves later on, Garland set the bar high as one of the all-time best female singers.
4. Liza Minnelli
The daughter of our previous singer, Judy Garland, we have next Liza Minnelli. With her dynamic stage presence and expressive voice, she has made significant contributions to the fields of film, television, and theater.
Her breakthrough came in 1965 with the Broadway musical Flora the Red Menace. However, Minnelli didn’t confine herself to the stage. Over the years, she has recorded numerous albums that span a wide variety of genres, from pop and disco to traditional vocal jazz.
Her most iconic musical moment came with the 1972 film Cabaret, where she played the role of nightclub singer Sally Bowles. The film’s title song became one of Minnelli’s signature tunes.
Minnelli’s works have garnered her many accolades, including an Emmy Award, four Tony Awards, a Special Grammy Award, and an Oscar. This puts her in the elite group known as EGOT winners, highlighting her versatility and consistent excellence across different mediums.
5. Bette Midler
Compared to Barbra Streisand for their powerful and versatile singing abilities, Bette Midler has left an indelible mark in the entertainment industry. Throughout her career, Bette Midler has explored a wide range of musical styles and genres, constantly pushing the boundaries of her artistry.
Her music encompasses various genres, including pop, rock, and country. To date, she has released 14 studio albums and won four Grammy Awards, testifying to her significant impact on the music industry.
In addition to her success as a singer, Midler has had an illustrious career in film and television. She’s known for her roles in movies like The Rose, for which she earned an Academy Award nomination, and Beaches, which featured her hit song “Wind Beneath My Wings.”
6. Cher
Cherilyn Sarkisian, best known to the world as Cher, is a renowned singer notable for her distinctive contralto singing voice and her ability to reinvent herself.
Cher began her career as half of the duo Sonny & Cher alongside her then-husband Sonny Bono. Their biggest hit, “I Got You Babe,” catapulted them to fame in the mid-1960s. After their professional split, Cher embarked on a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums and chart-topping hits like “If I Could Turn Back Time” and “Believe.”
In addition to her music, Cher’s acting career has been equally successful. She’s known for her roles in films like Moonstruck, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress and Mask.
Much like other iconic singers like Barbra Streisand, Cher has remained a dominant figure in the entertainment industry. Today, at 77 years old, she continues to tour and release new music.
7. Dolly Parton
Country music fans will most definitely know who Dolly Parton is. This legendary figure has a career that has spanned six decades ever since she started in 1956, just four years before Barbra Streisand exploded onto the music scene.
Parton’s extensive discography includes hits like “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5.” Her songs often draw from her personal experiences, addressing themes such as love, heartbreak, and social issues. Parton’s songwriting skills have earned her numerous awards, including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Beyond music, Parton has made her mark in acting, business, and philanthropy. She’s known for her roles in the films 9 to 5 and Steel Magnolias. Through her charity, the Dollywood Foundation, Parton has donated millions of books to children worldwide.
8. Patti LuPone
Next up is Patti LuPone. This New Yorker is a celebrated actress and singer. Her powerful voice and dramatic flair have made her a favorite in the world of musical theater.
LuPone achieved stardom in 1979 when she played Eva Perón in the original Broadway production of Evita, earning her first Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She was recognized for portraying opera legend Maria Callas in the play Master Class.
Her other notable roles include Fantine in the original London cast of Les Misérables, Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, and Rose in the 2008 Broadway revival of Gypsy, for which she won her second Tony Award.
In a world where fame often fades as quickly as it arrives, Patti LuPone’s enduring success is a testament to her talent, tenacity, and timeless appeal.
9. Bernadette Peters
Best known for her work in theatre, particularly musical theatre, acclaimed American actress and singer Bernadette Peters has enjoyed a career that spans over five decades, mirroring the longevity of other female powerhouses in the industry, such as Barbra Streisand.
Peters made her Broadway debut in 1967 in Johnny No-Trump before achieving fame for her performances in musicals like Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and Annie Get Your Gun, all of which earned her Tony Award nominations, with the latter two garnering her wins.
Like Streisand, Peters possesses a unique, instantly recognizable voice that sets her apart from many of her peers. Both women have also demonstrated versatility in their careers, successfully crossing over from stage to screen. Peters has appeared in numerous films and television series, including The Jerk, Pennies from Heaven, and Mozart in the Jungle.
10. Idina Menzel
Our next singer is Idina Menzel, a talented artist often considered one of her generation’s most prominent Broadway performers. With a powerful voice that can captivate audiences, Menzel has made a name for herself in both the theater world and the pop music industry.
Menzel’s most well-known screen role is likely the voice of Elsa in Disney’s “Frozen” franchise. Her performance of the song “Let It Go” in the first movie won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and became a global phenomenon.
Considering Streisand to be one of her main musical influences, it’s no wonder why fans find elements of her iconic sound present in Menzel’s performances. Whether on stage in a Broadway musical or singing a pop ballad, Menzel continues to influence the industry with her powerhouse vocals.
11. Sarah Brightman
The British soprano Sarah Brightman is one talented artist capable of singing, acting, and dancing. Known for her three-octave vocal range, Brightman has had an incredibly diverse and successful career in the arts.
In 1981, she made her West End musical theater debut in Cats, where she met composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. They married in 1984.
During their marriage, Webber created the role of Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera, specifically for Brightman. Her performance in the show was widely acclaimed, catapulting her to international stardom.
In addition to her theater work, Brightman embarked on a successful solo music career. She pioneered the classical crossover genre, which blends classical and pop music for a modern audience. Her 1996 duet with Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Time to Say Goodbye, reached #1 on charts worldwide and is one of the best-selling singles of all time.
12. Elaine Paige
Penultimate on this list is Elaine Paige, an English singer and actress who has greatly impacted musical theater. Her powerful vocals and captivating stage presence made her a Broadway and West End legend.
Paige made her professional stage debut at the age of 16. However, her breakthrough came in 1978 when she was cast in the title role of Eva Perón in the original London production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Evita.
Her rendition of the show’s hit song “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” reached #1 on the UK Singles Chart, and her performance earned her critical acclaim.
In addition to her work in musical theatre, Paige has released 22 solo albums encompassing her wide-ranging taste in music. She has also hosted her own radio show, Elaine Paige, on Sunday, on BBC Radio 2 since 2004, where she plays selections from musical theater and film scores.
13. Julie Andrews
Also from across the pond to Surrey, England, we have Julie Andrews, a talented vocalist and actress. She has had a successful career in film and music, just like Barbra Streisand.
Andrews began her career on the stage in London’s West End in 1948 and made her Broadway debut in The Boy Friend in 1954. However, she gained international recognition for her performances in the Broadway musicals My Fair Lady and Camelot.
Her film career took off when she was cast as the lead in Mary Poppins (1964), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress and a Grammy for Best Recording for Children.
Throughout her career, Andrews has received numerous accolades, including two Emmys, three Grammys, and several Golden Globes. She was made a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II for services to the performing arts in 2000.
Summing Up Our List Of Artists Like Barbra Streisand
Like Barbra Streisand, these singers we’ve listed have left an indelible mark on the music industry with their powerful vocals and passionate performances on the stage and in recording studios.
Whether you’re looking for a similar vocal range or a comparable singing style, these artists are worth listening to, so we hope with this list, we were able to add more music to your playlist to enjoy.
As the music world is vast, we might have missed some singers. Let us know who so we can add them here!
