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His stage presence may seem corny because he is so genuine. Unlike many artists today who are "created" into a specific image by handlers, Manilow is who he is. Through the years he has maintained that uniqueness.
I have a problem with saying someone is odd looking. What scale is being used here? I find it a little narrow-minded to say that if someone does not meet expected standards of appearance then that individual must exceed in other areas to be accepted. From an objective viewpoint, appearance has nothing to do with musical ability. We've all heard Paris Hilton's attempt. I mention her because so many think she is beautiful. My rant is done on that topic.
How much of Manilow's music and career are you familiar with? To judge him on 3 or 4 of his most popular tunes does not do him justice. To say that he is popular only because of Mandy or Weekend in New England (my personal favorite) is in error. Having listened to and watched him since the 70s, I have many years of exposure on which to base my opinion of Manilow. Take a look at Manilow's career written up on Wickipedia. Granted, it is a broad overview, but you should get a different view than what you seem to have observed.
As for his music, I don't think it is bubblegum or saccharine. Maybe I like it because I can hear the emotion in his voice, and I can understand the words when he sings. It could be as simple as that.
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Quiet, mild-mannered souls might just turn out to be roaring lions of two-fisted cool.
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