Rep says Manilow not ill

NEW YORK, July 18 (UPI) -- Barry Manilow's publicist says the Brooklyn, N.Y.-born singer's recent weight loss is not due to illness, as rumors have suggested.

One report claimed the 65-year-old recording artist was down to 100 pounds.

"Granted... he's pretty trim. But 100 pounds? Give us a break. Even Mary Kate and Ashley (Olsen) weigh more than 100 pounds," his spokeswoman told the New York Daily News, adding Manilow is "absolutely not" in the midst of a health crisis.

The singer, who is best known for his pop songs, "Copacabana" and "Mandy," is now working on an original rock album, his publicist told the Daily News.