Barry Manilow cancels Kentucky concert minutes before showtime

Barry Manilow abruptly canceled his Tuesday night concert in Lexington, Ky., marking the second time this year the show has been postponed. The singer, 83, announced the cancellation just minutes before the 7 p.m. showtime at Rupp Arena. He did not specify a reason for the postponement. The concert was originally scheduled for March 9 but was previously postponed due to Manilow recovering from lung cancer surgery. As of Tuesday, standard tickets ranging from $39 to $578 were still available, though fan club tickets had sold out. Rupp Arena confirmed that all previously purchased tickets will be honored once a new date is announced. Manilow’s reps have not yet commented. The Grammy-winning artist is still expected to perform in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Wednesday. This latest cancellation follows months of health-related postponements. Earlier this year, Manilow postponed dates at Westgate Las Vegas after undergoing surgery following his lung cancer diagnosis. In December, he revealed doctors had found a cancerous spot on his left lung, though they believed it had not spread. He shared that no chemo or radiation was needed, only additional tests. The health scare also led to postponements in January’s ‘Christmas A Gift of Love’ concert series. Manilow reflected on his diagnosis, stating it made him reconsider life’s fragility and prompted him to reflect on his achievements and relationships. He told People magazine, ‘This made me stop and think about: Have I done what I wanted to do, and have I made people happy? The answers are yes, and there are more yeses than I ever thought.’ Barry Manilow has been performing since the 1970s, known for hits like ‘Mandy’ and ‘Copacabana.’ His recent health challenges have impacted his tour schedule, but he remains active in the music industry.