That can be a matter of opinion and the answer varies among who you ask.
Though, according to the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 50 Year Anniversary Charts, comprised of the Hot 100's first 50 years, August 1958 through July 2008:
Rod Stewart is ranked #17 All-Time Top Artist. Barry Manilow is ranked #57 All-Time Top Artist.
Although this answer (and indeed question) can be heavily influenced by opinion, there are nonetheless several valid arguments for why Rod Stewart is more popular than Barry Manilow.
As a disclaimer: I am primarily a Stewart fan but have tried to keep this as objective as possible. Please note that the question identifies Stewart as being more popular and asks for reasons to explain this, which I have provided. There are also other things to consider that may be more opinion-based, for example, many (myself included) find Stewart to be highly attractive although this does not necessarily prove anything as others may feel the same about Manilow.
Yes.
Barry manilow
WikiPedia would have extensive chart information for both I would think. In the US, Manilow had more Top 40 hit singles and albums, although Engelbert did well, particularly in the album market. Manilow also had two No.1 hit records on the US Singles charts, Engelbert's highest chart ranking was No. 4 with "Release Me", although he reached No. 1 in the UK.
Yes, according to multiple sources, including People magazine, at some point in 2014, in a private ceremony at his home, Manilow married his long-time manager and friend Garry Kief. Manilow has always been very private about his sexuality, having performed during the era when being "out" could have been detrimental to his career; but even now that it is more acceptable, he still seems reticent to talk about it. It was thanks to several friends of his, who attended the ceremony, that the media found out about it.
Elton John has 19 more "top 40" UK hit studio albums than Billy Joel. Elton John has 17 more "top 40" US hit studio albums than Billy Joel. Elton John has 4 more "no. 1" UK hit studio albums than Billy Joel. Elton John has 2 more "no. 1" US hit studio albums than Billy Joel. Elton John has 54 more "top 40" UK hit singles than Billy Joel. Elton John has 23 more "top 40" US hit singles than Billy Joel. Elton John has 6 more "no. 1" UK hit singles than Billy Joel. Billy Joel has 1 more "no. 1" US hit single than Elton John.
Adele is more popular than Shakira.
Barry manilow
WikiPedia would have extensive chart information for both I would think. In the US, Manilow had more Top 40 hit singles and albums, although Engelbert did well, particularly in the album market. Manilow also had two No.1 hit records on the US Singles charts, Engelbert's highest chart ranking was No. 4 with "Release Me", although he reached No. 1 in the UK.
Yes, according to multiple sources, including People magazine, at some point in 2014, in a private ceremony at his home, Manilow married his long-time manager and friend Garry Kief. Manilow has always been very private about his sexuality, having performed during the era when being "out" could have been detrimental to his career; but even now that it is more acceptable, he still seems reticent to talk about it. It was thanks to several friends of his, who attended the ceremony, that the media found out about it.
Personally I prefer Jon Stewart, but I can't really speak for anyone else.
Elton John has 19 more "top 40" UK hit studio albums than Billy Joel. Elton John has 17 more "top 40" US hit studio albums than Billy Joel. Elton John has 4 more "no. 1" UK hit studio albums than Billy Joel. Elton John has 2 more "no. 1" US hit studio albums than Billy Joel. Elton John has 54 more "top 40" UK hit singles than Billy Joel. Elton John has 23 more "top 40" US hit singles than Billy Joel. Elton John has 6 more "no. 1" UK hit singles than Billy Joel. Billy Joel has 1 more "no. 1" US hit single than Elton John.
James Stewart of course or other known as Bubba Stewart
Newspapers still publish political cartoons on a daily basis, but as newspapers themselves are declining in popularity, we can reasonably conclude that political cartoons are not as popular as they once were. The political satire of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is more popular.
VERY popular! She has been in Twilight, Twilight Saga : New Moon, Panic Room, The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas and many many more. She is also popular for her unknown romance with Robert Pattinson a.k.a Edward Cullen in Twilight.
Jeff Gordon has earned more in career earnings than Tony Stewart.
There are many property management companies in Durham. Some of the more popular companies include: Savoy Stewart, Auriel Property Management, Block Management and many more.
It wasn't always a tradition for men to wear a ring. In recent years it has become more popular.
Shrek, most people don't know who barry white is.