NYP
10-05-03
Page 6
Photo: Miss Jackie
Mister D: Now, really. Gossip has it’s place, but I found this to be rather funny and silly. Can’t you hear Bette and Barry banter in the hallways….sure I can hear Bette say this…but as a joke…and I’m sure they were probably playing to the cameras or whomever else was around. But I do believe the remark about the fans….I mean some of Bette’s supposed die-hard fans couldn’t pull themselves out of bed for it…LOL But I saw signs out there for both Miss M and Manilow. Plus Manilow’s official site announced it ahead of time. And anyway, we had Miss Jackie there who sent pics:-)
BETTE Midler has never forgiven Barry Manilow for leaving her as her backup pianist. When the two were reunited on “Today” last week, Midler attempted to ignore Manilow backstage but became miffed that more Manilow fans showed than hers. “She turned to Barry and hissed, ‘Only your fans would get up at this time of the morning,’ ” our earwitness laughed. Manilow took the higher ground and simply rolled his eyes. “It was a little awkward because everyone was there for Barry, and Bette was furious,” we’re told. Midler’s rep said: “They love each other. None of this it true. They were thrilled to be together.”
