E! Loves - Category Header 920x60


Barry Manilow: 6 Reasons We Love the Capitol Fourth Crooner

Barry Manilow Kris Connor/Getty Images for Capital Concerts

Barry Manilow was set to close the show at the PBS' 33rd annual A Capitol Fourth celebration in Washington, D.C. last night and boy, did he ever.

The 70-year-old performed classics, like show-closer "Let Freedom Ring," to a crowd of thousands. The festivities also included a performance from Neil Diamond (who sang "Sweet Caroline" to honor the victims and survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing), selections from Lincoln played by the National Symphony Orchestra and a fireworks display. This wasn't Manilow's first time headlining the Capitol Fourth presentation—back in 2009 he led the show and was requested this year by popular demand.

We think this smooth crooner is better than ever, and here are a few reasons why:

NEWS: Mariah Carey flaunts patriotic bikini for the Fourth of July

Barry Manilow Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

1. He's 70 and Still a Smooth Operator: Being a septuagenarian hasn't slowed Manilow down at all. In a recent interview with The Washington Post, Manilow explains his youthful outlook: "I still feel the same way I always have. I'm creative and energetic and never stop. It [being 70] just doesn't make any sense, but frankly I'm just grateful that I'm healthy and working and still got my hair. What more can I ask?"

2. He Dresses Sharp: You can expect the following from Barry: a smart single-button coat and impeccable tailoring. The man knows how to match.

PHOTOS: Hollywood goes red, white and blue

Barry Manilow Rick Kern/Getty Images

3. A Manilow Performance Is Always Solid: Last night's immediate performance reviews on social media were glowing, with comments like "@HelenHoldun: Happens every time @BarryManilow's orig song "Let Freedom Ring" + fireworks = goosebumpy patriotism #ACapitolFourth" on Twitter and Facebook.

4. Her Name was Lola... He's the reason "Copacabana (At the Copa)" is in existence. ‘Nuff said.

NEWS: Heidi Klum celebrates Fourth of July in sexy white bikini

Barry Manilow Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic

5. He Sets Twitter on Fire: Aside from the performance praise, Twitter was a flutter with comments on Barry's visage. While we don't think it's particularly kind to comment on a 70-year-old's outer appearance, we did notice that Manilow's cheeks were looking…smoother…than usual.

6. He's a Legend: Hello?! He's Barry Manilow! That voice speaks for itself.

What did you think of Barry Manilow's Fourth of July showing?

PHOTOS: Pop innovators of 2013