Barry Manilow shares fear with singing career after cancer battle

Barry Manilow says he is unsure whether his singing voice will fully return after recovering from lung cancer.

The 82-year-old singer made the revelation late last year, saying he had early-stage lung cancer and needed surgery which also forced him to postpone his Las Vegas residency.

Although he was declared cancer-free in March, Manilow said his recovery has been harder than expected.

Speaking on Good Morning America, he said, “My voice, I don’t know whether it’s coming back,” he said, before adding, “I did my first sound check about a month ago, and I didn’t sound like me at all. I just couldn’t believe that it’s over.”

Manilow admitted the situation has been upsetting because he still wants to perform. He also said he previously took his voice for granted but now sees how important it is.

“I’ve always taken my voice for granted. I don’t take it seriously. Now I do, because it doesn’t seem to be there the way it always was,” he added.

Despite the uncertainty, the singer said he still hopes to return to the stage if his voice improves.

“I’m in great shape, I’m ready to go. I just hope my voice is there. If I sound good, that would be just great!”

Manilow is currently expected to resume touring in the UK later this month.