Barry Manilow has shared a major career update with fans, announcing his 33rd studio album while continuing to face a serious health battle.
The 82-year-old music icon recently revealed he had been diagnosed with lung cancer.
The Copacabana artist had postponed several 2026 tour dates after a "very depressing" visit with his surgeon, who advised that his recovery from lung cancer surgery is taking longer than expected. Despite his eagerness to return to the stage, doctors warned him his body is not yet ready for a 90-minute show.
Despite the diagnosis, Manilow has remained active and engaged, using music as both an outlet and a way to stay connected with his audience after more than five decades in the industry.
In a positive turn, the singer confirmed he will release a brand-new album titled What A Time on June 5.
The record marks a significant milestone in his career, not only as his 33rd studio album but also as his first collection of predominantly original material since 2011’s 15 Minutes.
In recent years, Manilow has focused heavily on reinterpretations and tribute albums, making this return to original songwriting particularly notable for long-time fans.
Leading the release is the single Sun Shine, a collaboration with Gary Barlow, best known as a member of Take That. The partnership brings together two generations of pop songwriting, with Barlow widely recognised for his melodic sensibilities and chart success in the UK and Ireland.
The track has already begun generating attention as an upbeat, reflective piece that contrasts with the more difficult personal circumstances surrounding its release.
The album itself features an extensive list of high-profile collaborators, including Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds, a major figure in contemporary R&B; Dave Cobb, a nine-time Grammy-winning producer known for his work across country and rock; as well as long-time creative partners Bruce Sussman and Adrienne Anderson, both of whom have contributed to Manilow’s catalogue over the years.
This mix of collaborators suggests a deliberate attempt to blend his classic sound with more modern influences.
According to his record label, What A Time will “pair Manilow’s signature melodic grandeur with fresh textures and stylistic turns,” pointing to a diverse sound that spans orchestral ballads, R&B-inspired grooves, heartland rock elements, and gospel influences.
This variety reflects Manilow’s long-standing ability to adapt across genres while maintaining the core style that made him one of the most successful adult contemporary artists of all time.
Manilow rose to international fame in the 1970s with a string of enduring hits, including Mandy, Copacabana (At the Copa), and I Wanna Do It With You. Across his career, he has sold more than 85 million records worldwide and maintained a strong touring presence well into his later years, including long-running residencies in Las Vegas.
While his recent health diagnosis has cast uncertainty over his future plans, the announcement of new music signals a clear determination to continue creating and performing. For fans, particularly those who have followed his career for decades, What A Time is likely to be seen not just as another album, but as a testament to his resilience and enduring passion for music in the face of personal challenges.
Barry Manilow has announced he is postponing his January concert dates after doctors discovered cancerous spots on one of his lungs, with the singer confirming he will undergo surgery in the coming weeks.
The 82-year-old Grammy-winning performer shared the update with fans on Monday, December 22, revealing that the cancer was found during routine scans following a prolonged bout of illness. According to Manilow, the discovery was made early and doctors are confident the cancer has not spread.
In a statement posted to social media, the singer explained that he had recently endured six weeks of bronchitis, followed by a five-week relapse, despite continuing to perform live at Westgate Las Vegas. As a precaution, his doctor ordered further tests.
“As many of you know, I recently went through six weeks of bronchitis followed by a relapse of another five weeks. Even though I was over the bronchitis and back on stage at the Westgate Las Vegas, my wonderful doctor ordered an MRI just to make sure that everything was OK,” Manilow said. “The MRI discovered a cancerous spot on my left lung that needs to be removed. It’s pure luck (and a great doctor) that it was found so early. That’s the good news.”
With his Christmas shows now completed, Manilow confirmed he is preparing for surgery and further tests to confirm the diagnosis. “The doctors do not believe it has spread and I’m taking tests to confirm their diagnosis,” he added. “So, that’s it. No chemo. No radiation. Just chicken soup and I Love Lucy reruns.”
As a result, the singer said he has made the difficult decision to postpone his January performances, apologising to fans who had planned to attend. He confirmed, however, that he is optimistic about returning to the stage for his Valentine’s weekend concerts at Westgate Las Vegas on February 12, 13 and 14, with further shows scheduled throughout 2026.
“In the meantime, I’m counting the days until I return to my home away from home at the Westgate Las Vegas for our Valentine’s weekend concerts on February 12-13-14 and throughout 2026,” he wrote. “Something tells me that February weekend is going to be one big party!”
Barry Manilow is one of the most successful recording artists of all time, with a career spanning more than five decades. He is best known for hits including ‘Mandy’, ‘Copacabana (At the Copa)’, ‘Can’t Smile Without You’ and ‘Looks Like We Made It’, and has scored three Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles. His music has sold tens of millions of records worldwide, and his long-running Las Vegas residency has cemented his status as a live entertainment icon.
In closing his message, Manilow urged fans to prioritise their health. “I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year,” he wrote. “And remember, if you have even the slightest symptom… get tested!”
The singer’s team has confirmed that ticketholders for the postponed January shows will be contacted directly regarding rescheduled dates.
