Before Nicki vs. Mariah: 6 Diva Feuds That Rocked Pop Music

Barbra Streisand vs. Diana Ross

In the galaxy of diva-stars, few shine as bright or—burn your face off as quickly—as Barbra Streisand and Diana Ross. Both have been known to throw their weight and fur coats around, though when Diana first started out, Babs was her idol: “Diana’s always measured herself against Barbra Streisand,” said Marvin Gaye according to our well-worn copy of the unauthorized biography, Call Her Miss Ross. (Page 198, if you’re curious.)

After the Supremes did a Funny Girl album in 1967, Streisand reportedly said, “I just don’t like the idea of her singing my songs and with my musical arranger. Who the hell does she think she is? The world doesn’t need another Streisand!” At which point, Streisand tried to cut off Diana Ross’ head, but her thickly-shellacked wig took the blow.

We couldn’t end this diva-feud retrospective without a snippet from the web series Got 2 B Real, a master class in grande-dame reading.