Flick Fact: Which American singing icon has an especially special memory of Bloomington-Normal?
Question: Entertainers all obviously have their big start somewhere. Can you name the enormously popular singer who says he has a special place in his heart for Bloomington-Normal because it was the site of his first big arena show? (1) Kenny Chesney; (2) Phil Collins; (3) Bruce Springsteen; (4) Barry Manilow; (5) Elton John.
Answer: It was (4) Barry Manilow, who had a 1975 show at Illinois State University's Braden Auditorium - his first "big" show, as he later told a 2012 U.S. Cellular Coliseum (now Grossinger Motors Arena) crowd. Braden is where Manilow (who created the State Farm jingle, "Like a good neighbor") says he and his band had to run to their limousine along College Avenue to avoid fans pursuing them. "We were stunned ... and thrilled," said Manilow. Or as he later sang, perhaps as an ode to Normal, "Looks Like We Made It."
Editor's note: The location of Manilow's show was incorrect in a previous version of this Flick Fact. This version has been corrected.
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 2:32 PM.