As his new album, What a Time, drops on Friday (6.05,) Barry Manilow has no idea if his voice is “coming back.”
Raring to get back onstage and in “great shape” physically, the superstar singer/songwriter’s vocal chords have been impacted since undergoing a lobectomy to treat lung cancer.
During this week’s Good Morning America interview, the 82-year old legend said:
“My voice – I don’t know whether it’s coming back.” “I did my first sound check about a month ago and I didn’t sound like me at all. I just couldn’t believe that it’s over.”
Scheduled to perform on June 25, and launch his Las Vegas residency in July, the native New Yorker admits his return to the stage may produce a few tears, adding:
“I can’t wait to get back. I’m in great shape, I’m ready to go. I just hope my voice is there. If I sound good, that would be just great. I really don’t want to cry on stage, but I don’t know whether I’ll be able to hold that back this time.”
It was in December of 2025 that Manilow announced his stage 1 lung cancer diagnosis after the disease was detected during an MRI after hearing about recent bouts of bronchitis. Having to postpone his farewell tour after doctors discovered the cancerous spot on his left lung, he later rescheduled additional shows, explaining that although he is getting “stronger,” he’s struggled with the slow pace of recovery.
Celebrating the success of ‘Once Before I Go’ entering the Adult Contemporary Top 10, in a video message, the former jingles-writer admitted the journey has been challenging, stating “Since I have no patience, it’s been agony,” adding how eager he is to return to the stage and grateful for the support of his medical team, friends, and family.
Candid about the realities of his recovery, the musician stated that despite his determination, his surgeon said that he wasn’t yet ready to perform a full 90-minute arena show.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Matt Becker (talk) (Uploads)