Get All Access for $5/mo

Siri Kept Mispronouncing a 'Simple' Name — Until This Celebrity Called Apple CEO Tim Cook to Complain Fortunately, Cook was receptive to the request.

By Amanda Breen

Key Takeaways

  • EGOT winner Barbra Streisand claimed Siri kept using a "Z" sound for her surname.
  • The 81-year-old entertainer's memoir "My Name Is Barbra" will be released on Tuesday.

Apple's digital assistant Siri can help provide suggestions or answer queries, but it doesn't always get everything right.

For a time, that included the pronunciation of "Barbra Streisand." The 81-year-old American singer and actress told the BBC that she had to call up Apple CEO Tim Cook to set the record straight.

Related: Leadership Lessons From Apple CEO Tim Cook | Entrepreneur

"My name isn't spelled with a 'Z'," Streisand informed the outlet. "It's Strei-sand, like sand on the beach. How simple can you get?"

Streisand's memoir My Name Is Barbra, which will be released on Tuesday, became a No. 1 bestseller earlier this year when it became available for pre-order, according to CNN.

Born Barbara Joan Streisand, the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award) winner, dropped the extra "a" to "be unique" but not "too false," per Portland Center Stage.

Image Credit: Kevin Mazur | Getty Images

Related: 5 Ways Siri Helps Me to Be More Focused and Productive

Fortunately, Cook was receptive to Streisand's request. The CEO was "so lovely" and had Siri alter the pronunciation, she told the BBC, adding, "I guess that's one perk of fame!"

Another perk? Streisand's net worth, which sits at approximately $430 million, per Forbes.

Amanda Breen

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Features Writer

Amanda Breen is a senior features writer at Entrepreneur.com. She is a graduate of Barnard College and received an MFA in writing at Columbia University, where she was a news fellow for the School of the Arts.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

The Side Hustle He Started in His College Apartment Turned Into a $70,000-a-Month Income Stream — Then Earned Nearly $2 Million Last Year

Kyle Morrand and his college roommates loved playing retro video games — and the pastime would help launch his career.

Business News

New Southwest Airlines Major Investor Wants to Force Out CEO, Slams Company's 'Stubborn Unwillingness to Evolve'

Elliot Investment Management announced a $1.9 billion stake in the Dallas-based Southwest Airlines on Monday and is urging shareholders to vote for new leadership.

Science & Technology

Why We Shouldn't Fear AI in Education (and How to Use It Effectively)

Facing resistance to new technologies in the educational process is nothing new, and AI is no exception. Yet, this powerful tool is set to overcome these challenges and revolutionize education, preparing students and professionals for a future of unparalleled efficiency and personalized learning.

Business News

Elon Musk Threatens to Ban Employees from Using Apple Products, Says Will Lock Devices in 'Cages'

The Tesla founder sounded off on X following Apple's 2024 Worldwide Developer Conference on Monday.

Business News

Apple's AI Has a Catch — And It Could Help Boost Sales

Not every iPhone owner will get to use the new Apple Intelligence.