Barbra Streisand’s 2000 Fox special, Barbra Streisand: Timeless, recorded live on New Year’s Eve 1999 and New Year’s Day 2000 in Las Vegas, earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination for outstanding individual performance in a variety or music program. She competed against heavy hitters including Steve Martin, David Letterman, Will Ferrell, Ellen DeGeneres, and Wayne Brady during the 2001 Emmy Awards.
However, just five days before the Emmys ceremony, the tragic events of 9/11 unfolded. This led to multiple reschedulings of the ceremony—from mid-September to early November—and the move from the larger Shrine Auditorium to the smaller and more secure Shubert Theater in Los Angeles. Heightened security measures included sharpshooters on rooftops, metal detectors for attendees, and blocked parking levels due to bomb threats.
Emmy Win and Streisand’s Decision to Forego Acceptance Speech
Eric McCormack and Debra Messing from Will & Grace presented the award, with Messing announcing Streisand as the winner. Despite being physically present at the event, Streisand chose not to take the stage to accept the Emmy or give a speech. Instead, she prioritized her surprise closing performance of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
Streisand’s decision demonstrated remarkable discipline—she deliberately passed on personal applause to focus attention on the song’s message, which offered solace and unity during a nation’s time of grief. The performance featured a gospel choir and was visually marked by names of 9/11 victims and a sign declaring, “Our hearts are broken. Our spirit is not.” The audience responded with a standing ovation, underscoring the emotional impact of her act.
Context of the Era and Legacy of the Special
This heartfelt performance occurred just days before Alan Jackson’s acclaimed 9/11 tribute, “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning),” which he delivered at the Country Music Awards. The emotional weight of the performances reflected the cultural moment, where artists sought to heal through music.
Gary Smith, the executive producer of the 2001 Emmy telecast, had a long history working with Streisand on her specials and other television projects. His collaboration helped ensure the quality of productions like Timeless. Smith, who passed away in 2025 at age 90, also oversaw the May 2 special where Streisand was honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award.
Barbra Streisand: Timeless won four Emmys overall, including recognition for Marvin Hamlisch’s music direction. This added to Streisand’s history of Emmy successes from previous specials: My Name Is Barbra (1965), Barbra Streisand: A Happening in Central Park (1969), Barbra Streisand…And Other Musical Instruments (1974), and Barbra Streisand: The Concert (1995).
Commercial and Critical Reception
Following the special, the Timeless: Live in Concert double album released in September 2000 reached No. 21 on the Billboard 200 and remained on the chart for 17 weeks. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, marking one of fourteen Grammy nods Streisand has received in that category.
Barbra Streisand’s choice to forgo an acceptance speech at the 2001 Emmys illustrates a rare moment of selflessness. Rather than savoring personal glory, she used her platform to contribute to the cultural healing process during one of America’s darkest times. This act augmented not only her legacy as an accomplished performer but also as a compassionate cultural figure responding to national tragedy.
Read more at: www.billboard.com