Basic Provisions
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Barry Manilow says he's not sure if his voice is coming back after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
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The 82-year-old man said he was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer in December and underwent a lobectomy to remove the affected area of his lung.
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His next performance is scheduled for June 11 in Leeds.
Barry Manilow expresses concern about his voice after battling stage-one lung cancer.
The "Copacabana" singer, who revealed he was diagnosed with the disease in December, spoke about how the treatment affected his vocal cords and his future performing career.
«"I don't know if my voice will come back," Manilow, 82, said in an interview. 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.".
Manilow in St. Paul, Minnesota, 2024. Photo: Adam Boettcher/Getty.
The Grammy Award-winning singer explained that the "first sign that something was wrong" with his vocals was when his band refused to look at him during rehearsal.
«"I always took my voice for granted. I didn't take it seriously," Manilow said. "But now I'm starting to take it seriously because it doesn't seem to be what it used to be.".
This situation is "very frustrating" for Manilow, who isn't ready to leave touring behind just yet. He's had to postpone several dates of his farewell tour, "Last Concert," while he recovers, and his next performance is scheduled for June 11 in Leeds.
In an interview with the program Good Morning America Manilow confirmed that he is now feeling well, but admitted that "it took longer than I expected to fight lung cancer.".
He said doctors first discovered the "spot" in his left lung during an MRI last November. Instead of radiation and chemotherapy, his team recommended a lobectomy to completely remove the affected portion of the lung.
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But this was only the beginning of Manilow's health problems. Several months later, he spent seven days in intensive care due to severe pneumonia.
«"It was terrifying. There were several moments when I thought, 'You know, maybe this is goodbye,'" Manilow recalled. "But those people in that hospital were just angels. Saints. I could cry every time I think about those nurses and doctors.".
Now Manilow is ready to change up the pace and get back on stage—and hopes his voice is strong enough to join him.
«"I'm looking forward to coming back. I'm in great shape. I'm ready. I just hope my voice is okay," 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.".
Watch the video above as Manilow discusses the state of his vocal apparatus.
Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.