Introduction

Barry Manilow Opens Up About Surgery, Recovery, and His Unexpected Emmy Win

When Barry Manilow walked onto the stage recently, full of energy and charm, it was hard to believe he was barely seven weeks out from major surgery. “You look like you’re jumping around like you didn’t have any kind of surgery,” the host remarked — and truly, he was. Manilow laughed, explaining that even he was amazed by how quickly he had bounced back.

What many fans didn’t know was that Manilow had undergone hip surgery — but not the hip replacement everyone kept assuming. For months, doctors had insisted that replacement was the only solution. Yet something didn’t feel right to him. Eventually, he found a specialist in the sports medicine world who finally identified the real issue: he had torn two pieces of cartilage in his hips, the same type of injury that often sidelines athletes.

For 30 years, Manilow has performed with intense physicality — running, spinning, jumping, and crossing massive stages night after night. “What I do on stage is very athletic,” he said. That relentless movement, he now realizes, pushed his body to the limit. After extensive searching, he located one of the few surgeons experienced in repairing hip cartilage rather than replacing the entire joint. The surgery was successful, and he now feels “great,” though he admits he still needs a little maintenance at the end of every busy week.

Despite the pain he endured, Manilow jokes lightly about his dancers, who perform in six-inch stilettos. “I hope they’re not hurting themselves,” he laughed, noting how demanding his shows really are. “Try doing ‘Copacabana’ for over 30 years,” he added with a grin.

His physical comeback wasn’t his only surprise of the year. Manilow also took home an Emmy — an award he never expected to win. He was nominated alongside giants of late-night television, including David Letterman, Craig Ferguson, and Stephen Colbert. “I shouldn’t have been in that category,” he insisted. As the only music performer among daily talk-show legends, he thought he had no chance.

During the ceremony, he wasn’t even paying attention when his name was called. He was talking to Dick Clark, who had just received a moving tribute. His manager had to nudge him urgently: “Get out there!” Manilow rushed to the stage, stunned, and delivered a speech that fans found sincere and humble. “You looked genuinely shocked,” the host told him — and he truly was.

Manilow’s career resurgence continues far beyond awards. His Las Vegas show remains a major success, and his recent appearance on QVC set a record, selling 47,000 CDs in just one hour. Reflecting on his longevity, he said, “They tell you a pop career lasts five years, maybe ten. I really shouldn’t still be here.”

But he is still here — performing, recording, and loving every moment. And for Barry Manilow, that joy is the greatest success of all.

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