Barry Manilow Returns to Las Vegas Stage After Cancer Hiatus
The iconic singer performed for the first time in six weeks following a battle with lung cancer.
Barry Manilow has returned to the Las Vegas stage following a six-week hiatus due to his recovery from lung cancer. The Grammy Award-winning singer performed Thursday night at the International Theater within the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino and is scheduled for another performance Friday evening.
Manilow, 83, has been engaged in a residency at the Westgate since the beginning of the year. He paused his performances after an Aug. 22 show to focus on his recovery from lung cancer, which was diagnosed in December 2025.
During his first performance back, Manilow addressed the audience, expressing his enjoyment and acknowledging his medical challenges. "I’m having a good time with you guys!" he reportedly said. "This is the first time back in a long time. I have some medical problems, but I’m back!"
The audience responded with cheers, reviving a concert tradition from the 1970s by throwing underwear onto the stage. Manilow responded with humor, picking up garments and jokingly asking if he should send them to the laundry. He even pocketed a pink pair, remarking, "God, I feel like I’m a teenage idol again."
Manafilow announced his cancer diagnosis in December 2025 after an MRI revealed a cancerous spot on his left lung. The news led to the rescheduling of January concerts to allow for his treatment and recovery. At the time, he expressed eagerness to return to his "home away from home at the Westgate."
Following his summer tour, which concluded in August, Manilow informed his fans of an upcoming break. He stated that the intensive schedule, which included 29 shows in 68 days prior to the hiatus, had pushed them too hard. He announced plans to resume performing on October 8th, promising to "be singing like a bird."
Manilow posted on Instagram shortly before his return show, "Who’s ready to turn @westgatevegas into the hottest spot north of Havana this weekend?!? 💃🪩 Vegas, here we come! 🎰✨" His Las Vegas residency is slated to continue at the Westgate through the end of the year.