A Missed Opportunity

October 25, 2005
On Monday, October 24, 2005, Ellen DeGeneres interviewed Barbra Streisand during a one-hour episode of her highly rated daytime television show.

I am seldom disappointed when Barbra gives an interview, but her appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show was one of those rare instances when I wondered, why did she do it? Barbra had just suffered a personal tragedy the day before the taping, and the interview lacked her usual animation and energy. In short, it seemed forced. Okay, it's Ellen, so we know what to expect (inane questions about undergarments, for example). And Ellen did her part to focus a portion of the interview on Barbra's new album, Guilty Pleasures. But Barbra appeared disinterested in her new album and her failure to enthusiastically promote it that was the real missed opportunity here.

Everyone has an occasional off-day, and Barbra had a real good reason to call in sick. This interview should have been rescheduled for a more appropriate time.