Barry Manilow Cancels Las Vegas Shows After Bronchitis Diagnosis

A Setback After a Triumphant Return

Barry Manilow's long-awaited return to the Las Vegas stage has hit an unexpected snag. The legendary singer and songwriter has canceled his Saturday performance at the International Theater at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, and he cut Friday night's concert short after playing only two songs, according to Variety.

Representatives for Manilow and the resort confirmed the situation in a joint statement: "After a triumphant welcome-back concert on Thursday, Barry got hit with bronchitis and had to cancel his Friday and Saturday shows."

The news came just one day after Manilow delivered what was described as a triumphant performance on Thursday — his first time back onstage following a six-week hiatus. That show followed his Aug. 22 concert and marked a significant milestone in his ongoing recovery from lung cancer, a diagnosis he publicly revealed in December 2025.

What Happened at Friday's Show

According to reports from Vital Vegas, Manilow abruptly left the stage Friday night after performing just two songs. The band reportedly continued playing instrumentals before a voice came over the PA system announcing that the show was over.

Attendees took to social media to share that they later received emails from Ticketmaster informing them they would receive refunds for the canceled performances.

The incident underscores the fragility of the singer's current health situation. Manilow has been navigating a careful return to performing since his cancer diagnosis was discovered during an MRI while he was recovering from bronchitis — the same condition now forcing him offstage once again.

A Journey of Postponements and Progress

Manilow's road back to the Westgate stage has been anything but straightforward. His residency at the Las Vegas venue was initially scheduled to begin in February, but the singer announced he would need to postpone it until March following surgery.

In May, he shared another update with fans on X, explaining that while he had been making "great progress" in his recovery, his doctor advised he wasn't yet ready to perform. "Good news! I went to the doctor yesterday and he said I'm making great progress and look great," Manilow wrote. "Well of course I do! Thank you very much! All the training and exercising I've put in is paying off. He did say, however, that I'm not quite ready for Vegas."

That meant missing his May shows at the Westgate, but the singer remained optimistic about the future. "Westgate Las Vegas is my home away from home…and I'll see you all in July," he added, encouraging fans to catch him at his June arena shows in the UK.

The Manilow Legacy in Las Vegas

Manilow's relationship with Las Vegas has been one of the most enduring partnerships in entertainment. While the Westgate has become his home away from home in recent years, his ties to the city stretch back through decades of residencies and performances that have solidified his status as one of the Strip's most reliable and beloved headliners.

The International Theater at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino — a property with its own storied history that once operated as the MGM Grand, Bally's, and later Horseshoe Las Vegas — has hosted Manilow's residency and become a destination for fans from around the world.

A Career Spanning Six Decades

For Manilow, this is simply the latest chapter in a remarkable career that has spanned more than 60 years. The Brooklyn-born singer, songwriter, and producer has sold more than 85 million records worldwide as a solo artist, making him one of the bestselling artists in music history.

His catalog reads like a soundtrack to generations of listeners: "Could It Be Magic," "Looks Like We Made It," "Mandy," "I Write the Songs," "Ready to Take a Chance Again," "Can't Smile Without You," "Weekend in New England," and of course, the iconic "Copacabana (At the Copa)."

Manilow has recorded 51 Top 40 singles on the Adult Contemporary chart, including 13 that reached number one, 28 that landed in the top 10, and 36 that appeared in the top 20. He has released 13 platinum and six multi-platinum albums.

Though critical acclaim has sometimes eluded him, Manilow has consistently earned the respect of his peers. Frank Sinatra himself once predicted, "He's next." Manilow has been nominated for 15 Grammy Awards from 1973 to 2015 — spanning every decade during that period — winning once for his work as a producer, arranger, and performer. He has also produced Grammy-nominated albums for artists including Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, Nancy Wilson, and Sarah Vaughan.

What's Next for Manilow

With bronchitis now forcing another pause, fans will be watching closely for updates on future performances. The singer had previously expressed optimism about his UK arena shows in June and his return to Las Vegas in July — though the timeline may shift depending on his recovery.

For now, ticketholders for the canceled shows will receive refunds through Ticketmaster. And Manilow's team has made clear that this is a temporary setback, not a farewell.

For an artist who has spent six decades giving audiences moments of joy and connection, the road back to the stage is worth the wait.