When it comes to the hit singers of today, no one impresses stage legend Barry Manilow quite as much as controversial dance queen Lady Gaga.

The vocalist — who began recording in the 1970s and is known for ballads like “Mandy” and the Grammy-winning disco smash “Copacabana (At the Copa)” — says he appreciates the pop diva’s originality.

“I think Lady Gaga is very original. I really think she’s got something going for her,” Manilow told Reuters Tuesday.

Manilow’s concerts are in sharp contrast with those of eccentric glam artists like Gaga — who acted out her own bloody death at September’s MTV Video Music Awards after splashing onto the scene with hits like “Poker Face” and “LoveGame” in 2008 — but that’s OK by Barry.

“I encourage these young singers to do what they do…..” he added.

Barry Manilow is set to kick off a two-year series of concerts at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel in March. He is set to perform at the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in Manhattan’s Rockefeller Center on Wednesday.