Barry Manilow is recovering from his battle with stage 1 lung cancer, but the "Copacabana" singer says the hardest part now is not knowing if his voice will ever return.
Manilow, who announced his diagnosis in December 2025, spoke about how treatment affected his vocal cords and whether he could return to performing.
Barry Manilow doesn't know if his voice will return.
«"I don't know if my voice will come back," Manilow said on the program. «Good Morning, America» . "I did my first sound check about a month ago, and my voice sounded completely different than usual. I just couldn't believe it was over.".
The Grammy Award winner knew something was wrong when his band couldn't look at him during rehearsal.
«"I always took my voice for granted. I didn't take it seriously," he admitted. "But now I do, because it seems like it's no longer the same.".
«"It's very upsetting for Manilow."»
The uncertainty left Barry Manilow very upset. (Source: ZUMAPRESS.com/MEGA)
The uncertainty is deeply frustrating for Manilow, who isn't yet ready to retire. He's postponed several shows on his farewell tour, "The Last Concerts," while he recovers. His next performance is scheduled for June 11 in Leeds.
On air «Good Morning, America» Manilow said he was "doing well" now, but acknowledged that "it took longer than I expected to fight lung cancer.".
Doctors first discovered a "spot" in his left lung during an MRI in November 2025. The medical team recommended a lobectomy instead of radiation or chemotherapy to remove the affected area of the lung.
Barry Manilow's future on stage
Barry Manilow says he's more than ready to return to the stage. Photo: MAR:Capital Pictures/MEGA
Unfortunately, the surgery was only the beginning of Manilow's health problems. Several months later, he spent seven days in intensive care battling severe pneumonia.
«"It was terrible. There were several moments when I thought, 'You know, maybe this is goodbye,'" he recalled. "But those people in that hospital were just angels. Saints. I could cry every time I think about those nurses and doctors.".
After everything he's been through, Manilow says he's more than ready to get back on stage. "I'm looking forward to it. I'm in great shape. I'm ready. I just hope my voice is okay, too," he said.
«"If I sing well, it will be great. I really don't want to cry on stage, but I don't know if I can hold it in this time," he added.