Looks Like He Made It! Barry Manilow Has a New Christmas Special!
Barry Manilow
Not too long ago, I decided to visit Las Vegas for a little self-care retreat. I dubbed the trip my "senior tour" as I ended up going to see a couple classic acts: comedian Rich Little and singer Barry Manilow. Little was as funny now as he was back in his heyday in the late '70s, and Manilow had so much energy that I felt like I had had a shot of caffeine!
Manilow recently broke a Vegas record when he surpassed Elvis Presley as the longest-running resident artist in Sin City. Elvis had set the record back in 1978 with 636 shows. Manilow, now 80, smashed the record in September and there seems to be no sign he's slowing down. Not only does he have his Vegas residency, he also penned Harmony, his second musical which is set to debut on Broadway Nov. 13.
On top of that, NBC just announced a Christmas special: Barry Manilow’s A Very Barry Christmas is set to premiere in December. Here's what we know about the holiday production.
Related: Barry Manilow's Long Road to Broadway
What is Barry Manilow's A Very Barry Christmas?
Barry Manilow's A Very Barry Christmas will showcase Manilow's most loved hits. While a setlist hasn't been released, we'll hear some of his most popular songs, including "I Write the Songs," "Looks Like We Made It," "Copacabana," "Can't Smile Without You" and "Mandy."
Manilow was raised Jewish but we'll still hear plenty of classic Christmas tunes like "Jingle Bells," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and maybe some newer songs too. The classic crooner has released several Christmas albums over the years. His version of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" with K.T. Oslin is one of my all-time favorites. He also sang "Christmas is Just Around the Corner," which was featured in the Hallmark film, Cranberry Christmas.
Related: Jingle Those Sleigh Bells! Hallmark's Countdown to Christmas List Is Here
“I love doing our Christmas show! We get to sing my pop hits and my favorite Christmas songs,” Manilow said in a release. “It’s a feel-good hour full of music.”
“Barry’s legacy and longevity is truly something to behold,” said Jen Neal, Executive Vice President, Live Events and Specials, NBCUniversal Media Group. “His repertoire of songs are beloved by generations and we can’t wait to celebrate the holidays with one of America’s most iconic musical legends.”
Who will perform on Barry Manilow's A Very Barry Christmas?
We'll hear plenty of Barry over the course of the one-hour special and it's anyone's guess who might drop by for a visit. Perhaps Santa will make a pit stop on stage!
Where will Barry Manilow's A Very Barry Christmas be filmed?
The Christmas special will be filmed at the Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas where Manilow performs his hit show, "Manilow: Las Vegas—The Hits Come Home!”
When does Barry Manilow's A Very Barry Christmas premiere?
Barry Manilow's A Very Barry Christmas premieres Monday, Dec. 11 at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.
How can I watch Barry Manilow's A Very Barry Christmas?
Barry Manilow's A Very Barry Christmas will premiere on NBC on Dec. 11 at 10 p.m. ET and will be available to stream the next day on Peacock.
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