In this week’s PEOPLE Magazine, February 7, 2011 issue, Lea Michele writes “Why I Love Barbra” and says that, “I grew up in this typical New Jersey town where everyone looked the same. If you didn’t have a nose job, you were about to. Agents and casting directors told me to get one, but my mother said, ‘Barbra Streisand never did- and neither are you.’
When I met [GLEE creator] Ryan Murphy, he asked if I’d ever seen Funny Girl. I said no. When I did see it, I cried my eyes out. My life changed. Her character felt and looked so much like me! From then, I’ve been obsessed with Barbra. Her voice is perfect. She doesn’t need any tricks. What makes her a rare talent is she can just stand there and sing.
On GLEE I’ve sung four of her songs. Every time I do ‘Funny Girl’ I cry. Singing her music [at the MusiCares gala Feb. 11] isn’t about getting to be in the same room as her or having her hear my voice. (Though I’m nervous-hopefully I won’t vomit!) It’s about me just saying thank you.”
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