Fans are essential to the smile in this song by Barry Manilow.

While Barry Manilow's discography boasts numerous chart-toppers, "Can't Smile Without You" holds a special place in the hearts of his devoted audience members.

Raised by a single mother who frequently played Barry Manilow's music, Lizzy Evans developed an early affinity for his songs. At just six years old, Evans had already made up her mind about one special gift she wanted on her birthday: joining the Barry Manilow International Fan Club.

Evans' recollection of her childhood is marked by imperfections, but Barry Manilow's presence made a lasting impression. As she reflects on his appeal now at 57 years old and working in cruise line reservations, Manilow's uniqueness shines through. He defied traditional matinee idol expectations, blending in seamlessly with everyday people.

As the 1980s dawned, Evans's enthusiasm for Barry Manilow began to wane. Her musical preferences had shifted, and she felt pressure to conform to the emerging tastes of her peers. Watching MTV regularly, she discovered new idols in Duran Duran and Culture Club. Meanwhile, Manilow remained a private favorite, cherished by Evans despite her desire to fit in with others.

Evans and her roommate marked the occasion of Evans' 27th birthday by taking the subway from Queens into Manhattan, making their way to the TKTS booth in Times Square to purchase tickets for a Broadway performance. As they waited, an individual approached them with an offer to acquire seats for Barry Manilow's show at Radio City Music Hall that evening. Little did Evans know, her day would take an unexpected turn as she found herself sharing the stage with Manilow, singing one of his most iconic songs.

Barry Manilow's tradition of sharing the stage with a lucky fan during "Can't Smile Without You" performances stretches back to at least 1982, although the exact starting point remains unrecorded.

Sitting over 20 rows away from the stage, Evans felt like an unlikely candidate for selection. She approached a man with a distinctive lanyard and said, "It's my birthday today - if Barry Manilow wants to make someone's special day truly unforgettable, I'm right here."

Barry Manilow received the message, prompting him to select a duet partner; he chose someone seated 20 rows behind.

She exclaimed with a chuckle that walking down the aisle had felt like an exhilarating flight. That experience sealed her decision: no more Barry Manilow concerts for her. "I reached musical nirvana," she joked.

At 82, Barry Manilow has openly expressed that "Can't Smile Without You" isn't among his top picks. However the song holds significant value for him as it serves to reinforce and strengthen a distinctive connection he shares with his devoted audience. Despite having written many iconic songs, this particular one has been used by Manilow to nurture his bond with fans over several years.

Barry Manilow will revive the connection with his audience as he restarts his "farewell tour" soon, setting the stage for a Las Vegas residency scheduled to begin in July. His health concerns are evident after being diagnosed with lung cancer last November, prompting him to postpone April tour dates and express worries about his vocal quality on "Good Morning America". A new studio album, "What a Time", is due out on June 5, marking his first release in 15 years.

Barry Manilow's ability to connect with fans relies heavily on showmanship, which involves creating an illusion. With a staggering 10 platinum albums and 25 Top 40 hits under his belt, including chart-toppers "Mandy," "I Write the Songs," and "Looks Like We Made It," it's surprising that he's perceived as relatable by audiences. The "Can't Smile" ritual humanized him, making him more approachable, and provided opportunities for lighthearted moments, such as his witty remarks about being "Nice voice, wrong key" or "Almost on key."

Manilow enthusiasts often face ridicule for their devotion to an artist many view as cheesy and over-the-top. However his music conveys a message of mutual appreciation, emphasizing the importance of fan loyalty in his duet.

For years, Barry Manilow's performances followed a familiar routine. He would launch into a song, only to pause and declare that he needed a "brave young woman" by his side. The audience would erupt in cheers and brandish signs, vying for his attention. According to Patricia Butler, Manilow's biographer, the spectacle was akin to a chaotic cattle auction or game show. Once a duet partner was chosen, Manilow would take her hand, leap onto the piano bench, and awkwardly part ways with a brief peck on the cheek.

On February 6, 2002, Barry Manilow's performance at Radio City Music Hall was marked by an unexpected turn of events. The venue had been his stage more than 50 times before, but this particular evening brought a surprise for Alan Charles, who held a sign that read "Teased for 27 Years — Make Me Smile." Manilow's quick wit kicked in as he joked about the discrepancy between Charles' years of being teased and his relatively young age of 31.

A 66-year-old New Yorker who makes his living in deregulated energy has witnessed approximately 40 Manilow performances. That morning, he awoke with an inexplicable premonition: "I declared I'd share the stage with Barry that evening." His wife's response was skeptical: "You must be out of your mind!"

Rehab had been a two-month ordeal for Charles the previous fall, but he relapsed and returned to treatment for another two months. The poignant lyrics of his favorite song, sung by Barry Manilow, resonated deeply with him: "If you only knew what I'm going through." As he sang along, his voice faltered, overcome with emotion. Tears welled up in his eyes as the memories came flooding back.

Manilow's presence had a profound impact on his decision to stay sober, as he revealed. His words conveyed a sense of inspiration.

Donna Abrams had an intuition about Lynne Henderson's evening, while Henderson herself was oblivious to what lay ahead. On March 6, 1993, a date etched in her memory like everyone else mentioned in this account, she joined fellow Manilow enthusiasts for dinner at the Magic Pan in Midtown Manhattan. It was there that Henderson first tasted a Long Island iced tea. Abrams had created a distinctive sign with bold black letters and a vibrant fluorescent pink background, reading "Diva in Waiting." That night, Henderson held the sign upside down, and to her surprise, it proved effective.

At 68 years old, Henderson works as an assistant in a nonprofit health system, having previously estimated that she'd witnessed between 50 and 100 Manilow performances. With experience in Off Off Broadway shows and a cabaret act featuring his songs at Don't Tell Mama, she was well-equipped to handle the spotlight's demands. Her evening had already been warmed up by a Long Island iced tea, which left her feeling slightly lubricated.

Manilow's enthusiasm for Lynne is palpable as he exclaims, "She sings better than I do!" The duet may be over but the memories linger. A stagehand swiftly presents him with a VHS copy of Henderson's appearance, which he graciously signs before it's handed to her. This cherished keepsake has since been digitized and now boasts an impressive 40,000 views on YouTube, where "I sang with Barry" moments could fill an entire channel.

Duet experiences are one-of-a-kind for those involved, despite their frequency. According to Henderson, genuine connections between fans and artists exist, often resulting in deep emotional ties that shouldn't be underestimated.

Barry Manilow's music often portrays him as a lovable loser, and ironically, this image has been used to mock him in popular culture. His perseverance is likely driven by his desire to create music that resonates with those who feel like outsiders themselves.

Barry Manilow's devoted followers require a sanctuary where they can feel at ease without judgment or scrutiny from others, as Evans so eloquently put it.

Born Barry Alan Pincus, Barry Manilow has candidly referred to himself as a misfit from childhood. Growing up in Brooklyn, he was a reserved, introverted youngster with a distinctive appearance - skinny, sporting braces and a prominent nose. His grandparents showered him with affection, while his eccentric single mother encouraged his musical talents by making him learn the accordion.

Approximately two decades ago, Barry Manilow discontinued performing the duet at every concert. Instead, he frequently welcomed a fan onto stage to dance with him during "Could It Be Magic." Jennifer Miller was one such lucky fan, who found herself in Manilow's arms at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pa., on March 17, 2016.

Bucks County resident Miller, aged 52, has been a devoted Barry Manilow fan since attending her first concert at the tender age of five with her mother in tow. During their meeting, Manilow inquired about Miller's profession as a nurse and was met with an unexpected response when she revealed her occupation.

Miller's life was marked by turmoil after a difficult divorce and the loss of her best friend to cancer. However she found solace in the kindness of strangers who shared her passion for Barry Manilow's music. Their unwavering support helped her navigate a challenging period. She credits this sense of community with giving her hope during dark times.

Decades after, Miller took her teenage daughter Mandy, a namesake of the iconic song, to meet the legendary singer Barry Manilow.

Barry Manilow took the stage at Radio City Music Hall on April 21, 2024, for an unforgettable performance. The crowd's enthusiastic request to revive "Pick Mandy" was met with a nod from the legendary singer. Although his 80-year-old body protested, Manilow obliged, awkwardly climbing onto the piano bench before being outshone by his talented accompanist.

Seventeen-year-old Mandy notes that meeting fans familiar with Barry Manilow's work is rare for her. The singer's core demographic consists largely of mothers and grandmothers, a fact she finds perfectly acceptable. Older generations often produce timeless musical treasures.

Mandy Miller is currently the final vocalist to share the "Can't Smile Without You" duet with Barry Manilow. Her reserved nature made her uncomfortable with being in the spotlight, according to both Mandy and her mother. Following an encounter with Manilow, Mandy started crafting songs and now performs with Strands band.

Mandy Miller's enthusiasm was palpable as she exclaimed, "Being true to myself has been incredibly liberating."