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

Features Writer

Amanda Breen is a 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.

Editor's Pick

Related Topics

Business News

Can't Find a Place on Airbnb? The New 'Black Market' Has You Covered.

Tightening regulations on short-term rentals in NYC has led to a shadow market for Airbnb alternatives.

Buy a Franchise

Learn the Secrets of Running 20+ Businesses as a Side Hustle — Finding and Nurturing Your 'STIC People'

Explore the critical importance of choosing the right franchise manager and the innovative 'STIC' approach.

Marketing

5 Scrappy Ways to Create Quick Marketing Wins

Marketers are under pressure to create both short-term and long-term successes. Here's how you can create quick wins easily alongside your bigger strategy.

Growing a Business

More Than 90% of Startups Don't Make It. This CEO Reveals What It Takes to Not Only Survive — But Thrive.

Learn what it takes to grow a company while also scaling as a leader.

Business News

Mac Without Cheese? Kraft's Newest Product Is Going Vegan

Kraft is releasing a plant-based version of its iconic Mac & Cheese called "NotMac&Cheese."

Starting a Business

How Business Community Is Making CEO Life Less Ghastly

People are starting to notice that if you want to get the best out of entrepreneurs, you have to support them. But how?