By admin 
INTRODUCTION
The amber glow of the International Theater’s chandeliers often mirrors the warmth of the audience’s reception, but on 09/04/2025, that warmth translated into a definitive national mandate. As the results of the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards were officially tallied, the production “Manilow: Las Vegas – The Hits Come Home!” was crowned the premier experience of the Strip. This accolade, achieved in an environment increasingly dominated by billion-dollar visual algorithms and kinetic architecture, suggests that the primary currency of Las Vegas remains the visceral, human connection of a master songsmith. For Barry Manilow, the award is not merely a trophy for the mantel, but a validation of a performance philosophy that prioritizes narrative intimacy over digital detachment.
THE DETAILED STORY
The criteria for the 10Best recognition are notoriously stringent, filtered through a panel of industry experts before being subjected to the democratic rigor of a public vote. In securing the top position, Manilow bypassed more contemporary, tech-reliant residencies, a paradigm shift that speaks to the enduring appetite for classic American showmanship. The show itself is a meticulous construction of emotional peaks and technical precision; it is a space where the 1970s balladry of “Mandy” coexists seamlessly with the vibrant, theatrical sprawl of “Copacabana.” This victory underscores a crucial nuance in the Las Vegas market: while the city often markets itself on the allure of the “new,” its heartbeat is sustained by the “enduring.”
Central to this triumph is the relationship Manilow has cultivated with a multi-generational audience. The “Fanilow” phenomenon is frequently discussed in terms of nostalgia, yet the 2025 win highlights a more dynamic reality. The show has evolved, incorporating updated production values and a narrative structure that reflects the artist’s own journey through the late stages of a historic career. By winning this award on 09/04/2025, during a year otherwise marked by the logistical complexities of his “Last Concerts” tour and his proactive health management, Manilow reinforced the inevitability of his presence at the Westgate. It serves as a reminder that “The Hits Come Home” isn’t just a title—it is an invitation to a legacy that remains in active, vibrant development.
Ultimately, the USA TODAY 10Best title acts as a bridge between the artist’s prolific past and his unprecedented Lifetime Residency. It provides the critical framework that justifies his permanent tenure at the Westgate, proving that the demand for his craft is not just consistent, but preeminent. As the industry looks toward the 2026 season, this recognition ensures that every performance in the International Theater is viewed through the lens of excellence, cementing Barry Manilow’s position not just as a survivor of the industry, but as its undisputed gold standard. With ticket prices for the residency continuing to command high market value, the award serves as a formal endorsement of the show’s exceptional return on investment for both the venue and the visitor.