1. Overview
Enrique Martín Morales, widely known as Ricky Martin, is a highly influential Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, and actor. Born on December 24, 1971, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Martin rose to international superstardom in the late 1990s, particularly with his global hits "Livin' la Vida Loca" and "La Copa de la Vida". His musical versatility spans genres including Latin pop, dance, reggaeton, and salsa. Martin is widely recognized for propelling Latin pop music into mainstream global recognition, paving the way for numerous other Latin artists. Beyond his prolific music career, which boasts over 70 million records sold worldwide, he has achieved acclaim as an actor in television and theater, earning an Emmy nomination for his role in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. A prominent advocate for LGBT rights and a vocal opponent of human trafficking, Martin founded The Ricky Martin Foundation in 2004, cementing his commitment to philanthropy and social justice. He has received numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards, five Latin Grammy Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2. Early life and background
Enrique Martin Morales was born on December 24, 1971, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His mother, Doña Nereida Morales, was a former accountant, and his father, Enrique Martín Negroni, was a former psychologist and regional supervisor for a mental-health agency. His parents divorced when he was two years old. Despite the divorce, Martin recalled a happy childhood, freely moving between his father's house in the middle-class suburb of University Gardens in San Juan and his paternal grandmother's nearby home. He has two older maternal half-brothers, Fernando and Ángel Fernández, two younger paternal half-brothers, Eric and Daniel Martín, and a younger paternal half-sister, Vanessa Martín. Martin's heritage includes Spanish roots, with his paternal Martins having traveled from Segovia, Spain, to Puerto Rico in 1779, and some Corsican origins through his paternal grandmother.
2.1. Childhood and education
Growing up, Martin was affectionately called "Kiki" by those closest to him. He began singing at the age of six, using wooden kitchen spoons as makeshift microphones. He often performed songs by the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, alongside English-language rock groups such as Led Zeppelin, Journey, and REO Speedwagon. His mother's side of the family was musically inclined, and his maternal grandfather was a poet, inspiring Martin to compose songs from a young age. He later reflected on the profound impact of these early family gatherings on his musical journey, stating that the energy he felt then still resonates when he performs for an audience.
Martin attended Colegio Sagrado Corazón, a bilingual Catholic grade school in University Gardens, from the fourth grade, where he was an "average" student. At nine years old, he began appearing in television commercials for various products, including soft drinks, toothpaste, and fast food chains like Orange Crush and Burger King. Within a year and a half, he starred in 11 commercials, gaining moderate fame in Puerto Rico.
2.2. Family relationships
Martin's parents, Doña Nereida Morales and Enrique Martín Negroni, divorced when he was two years old. Despite the separation, he maintained close ties with both parents, moving freely between their homes and his paternal grandmother's house. He expressed that he "never had to make decisions" about who he loved more and was "always happy" during his youth. His family extended to multiple half-siblings from both his mother's and father's subsequent relationships. This diverse family environment contributed to his upbringing and early exposure to various musical influences, particularly from his mother's side, which was musically inclined.
3. Career
Ricky Martin's career spans decades, marked by his rise from a boy band member to a global Latin pop icon, and his ventures into acting and philanthropy.
3.1. Menudo years (1984-1989)
After gaining some recognition from television commercials in Puerto Rico, a 12-year-old Martin auditioned for Menudo, a popular Puerto Rican boy band formed in 1977. The band was known for replacing members when they turned 16 to maintain a youthful image. Despite impressing executives with his dancing and singing during his first two auditions, Martin was initially rejected for being too short. His persistence, however, led to a third audition, and in 1984, he officially joined the group, replacing Ricky Melendez.
A month after joining, Martin made his debut performance with Menudo at the Luis A. Ferré Performing Arts Center in San Juan. During this show, he inadvertently deviated from the choreography, an error for which he was sternly chastised by the band manager. This incident instilled in him a strict discipline, leading him to reflect, "That was the discipline of Menudo: You either did things the way you were told or you were not part of the group." While he enjoyed the travel and performing, Martin found the band's demanding schedule and strict management exhausting, later noting that the experience "cost" him his childhood. Despite the challenges, he acknowledged the "opportunity to have so many amazing experiences with so many amazing people" during his tenure.
During his time with Menudo, Martin became a "key-member" and a "fan-favorite." The band released 11 albums, including the Grammy-nominated Evolución (1984), which featured Martin's debut single "Rayo de Luna" (Rayo de LunaMoonlightSpanish), and Menudo (1985), their highest-charting album on the US Billboard 200. The latter included the hit single "Hold Me", which became the group's first and only entry on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 62. "Hold Me" was recognized by Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Complex as one of the greatest boy band songs of all time. Beyond music, Martin appeared with Menudo in the American romantic comedy/drama television series The Love Boat (1985) and the Argentine soap opera Por Siempre Amigos (1987). It was also during this period that he developed an interest in philanthropy, as the group served as UNICEF ambassadors, an experience that deeply influenced his later charitable work.
Martin left Menudo in July 1989 at age 17, seeking a break and time to evaluate his career path. He stayed a few extra months beyond his "age-mandated retirement" to fulfill commitments, performing his final show at the same venue where he had debuted. He returned to Puerto Rico to decompress from the pressures of touring and promotion. After graduating high school, 13 days after turning 18, he moved to New York City to celebrate his newfound financial independence, as he had been unable to access his bank accounts while a minor in Menudo.
3.2. Solo debut and early activities (1990-1994)
In 1990, Ricky Martin was accepted into New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. However, before classes began, a friend invited him to Mexico City, where he attended the musical comedy play Mama Ama el Rock (Mama Ama el RockMom Loves RockSpanish). He was offered a role to replace one of the actors, which he accepted, leading him to drop out of university and move to Mexico City for the theatrical performance.
While performing in Mama Ama el Rock, a producer noticed Martin's acting talent and offered him a role in the Mexican telenovela Alcanzar una estrella (Alcanzar una estrellaTo reach a starSpanish) in 1990. He also joined the cast for the second season, titled Alcanzar una estrella II (1991). A film based on the TV series, Más que alcanzar una estrella (Más que alcanzar una estrellaMore than reaching for a starSpanish) (1992), also starred Martin and earned him an El Heraldo Award for his performance.
A Sony Discos executive, impressed by Martin's acting in the soap operas, offered him his first solo music recording contract. Eager to record his debut album, Martin signed the contract without fully reading its terms, inadvertently agreeing to be paid only one cent for each album sold. Despite the unfair terms, he considered the record "the start of something phenomenal." After working "around the clock" to complete filming Alcanzar una estrella II and record music, he released his debut solo album, Ricky Martin, on November 26, 1991. The album peaked at number five on the US Billboard Latin Pop Albums chart, spending 41 weeks on the list. It sold over 500,000 copies worldwide and was certified gold in several countries. The album spawned his first solo hit singles: "Fuego Contra Fuego" (Fuego Contra FuegoFire Against FireSpanish), "El Amor de Mi Vida" (El Amor de Mi VidaThe Love of My LifeSpanish), and "Dime Que Me Quieres" (Dime Que Me QuieresTell Me You Love MeSpanish). Both "Fuego Contra Fuego" and "El Amor de Mi Vida" reached the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot Latin Tracks. To promote the album, Martin embarked on a successful Latin American tour, breaking box office records, which he described as "an indescribable feeling, almost like coming home."
After the success of his debut album and tour, Martin collaborated with Spanish musician Juan Carlos Calderón on his second studio album, Me Amaras (Me AmarasYou'll Love MeSpanish) (1993). While grateful for the opportunity, Martin felt the album was "more his [Calderón's] than mine." This album sold over one million copies worldwide and was certified triple-platinum in Chile. During 1993, Martin experienced two harrowing incidents: a car accident and a near-plane crash, where a plane that had just dropped him off in San Diego, California, crashed shortly after.
In 1994, Martin's agent encouraged him to move to Los Angeles to act in the American sitcom Getting By. Although the show was canceled after two seasons, Martin soon secured the role of Miguel Morez on the popular soap opera General Hospital. Morez, a Puerto Rican bartender and singer with long, flowing hair, was involved in a love triangle. Martin portrayed the character for two years, gaining significant popularity and becoming "one of the most-talked about actors on the soap opera." Despite his success, Martin felt a lack of chemistry with the cast and noted that his Puerto Rican accent led to different treatment. At a time when Latin actors were uncommon on American television, he refused suggestions to take accent reduction classes.
3.3. Latin pop breakthrough (1995-1997)
In 1995, Ricky Martin refocused on his music career, beginning work on his third studio album, A Medio Vivir (A Medio VivirHalf AliveSpanish). Released in September 1995, the album became a massive success, selling over three million copies worldwide. It achieved gold certification in the United States, platinum in France, and 4x platinum in Spain, along with numerous other certifications across Latin American countries.
The album spawned several successful hits, including "Te Extraño, Te Olvido, Te Amo" (Te Extraño, Te Olvido, Te AmoI Miss You, I Forget You, I Love YouSpanish), "María", and "Volverás" (VolverásYou Will Come BackSpanish). "María", released as the second single, marked a significant shift in Martin's musical direction. Instead of a romantic ballad, which was typical of Latin pop at the time and his previous albums, "María" incorporated a vibrant mix of Latin and African sounds. Although a record label executive initially criticized it, claiming it would ruin his career, the song became Martin's breakthrough and first international hit. It topped charts in 20 countries and sold over five million physical copies worldwide. Its immense popularity led to its inclusion in the 1999 edition of The Guinness Book of Records as the biggest Latin hit. In Australia, "María" spent six weeks at number one, topped the country's year-end chart in 1998, and was certified platinum. In France, it spent nine weeks at number one, was certified diamond, and sold over 1.4 million copies. The track also reached the top 10 in the United Kingdom and became Martin's first entry on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
To promote A Medio Vivir, Martin embarked on the worldwide A Medio Vivir Tour, which lasted over two years, encompassing 63 shows across Europe, Latin America, and the United States. During a 1996 interview, Martin expressed interest in performing on Broadway. Days later, he received a call from producer Richard Jay-Alexander offering him the role of Marius Pontmercy in the musical Les Misérables. After concluding the Latin American leg of his tour, Martin returned to New York for an eleven-week run in the play. He cherished the experience, calling it an "honor" and "the role of [his] life." Martin continued to tour after the show, observing a noticeable increase in both the size and enthusiasm of his audiences.

3.4. Global success and English-language market entry (1998-2000)
While the A Medio Vivir Tour was still ongoing, Ricky Martin returned to the studio to record his fourth album, Vuelve (VuelveCome BackSpanish). He described the simultaneous touring and recording as "brutal and incredibly intense." As he was finalizing the album in 1997, his song "María" caught the attention of FIFA, who invited him to create the anthem for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Despite initial nervousness, Martin accepted, recognizing the "massive growth potential for [his] career." He collaborated with musicians K.C. Porter, Robi Rosa, and Desmond Child to create "La Copa de la Vida" (La Copa de la VidaThe Cup of LifeSpanish). Martin noted that this request shifted their focus to a "global strategy to promote Latin music worldwide," aiming to make the entire globe "dance and sing in Spanish."
Vuelve was released on February 12, 1998, and became a monumental success. According to his label, it sold over eight million copies worldwide, becoming the best-selling Spanish-language album in history, though other sources report six million sales. It spent 26 weeks atop the US Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In Canada, the album peaked at number three and was certified double platinum. Vuelve spawned major hits, including the title track, "La Copa de la Vida", "Perdido Sin Ti" (Perdido Sin TiLost Without YouSpanish), and "La Bomba" (La BombaThe BombSpanish). "La Copa de la Vida" achieved international success, charting in over 60 countries and reaching number one in 30. Both "Vuelve" and "Perdido Sin Ti" topped the US Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart, with "Vuelve" also reaching number one in eight countries. On July 12, 1998, Martin performed "La Copa de la Vida" as the official anthem at the 1998 FIFA World Cup Final in France, captivating over a billion television viewers globally.
To promote Vuelve, Martin embarked on the worldwide Vuelve Tour, performing across Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico, South America, and the United States. Despite Latin music's then-marginal status in the mainstream music industry, Tommy Mottola, then-chief of Columbia Records, championed Martin's talent. On February 24, 1999, Martin delivered a show-stopping bilingual performance of "La Copa de La Vida" at the 41st Annual Grammy Awards, accompanied by a 15-piece band, dancers, and percussionists. The performance received a standing ovation and critical acclaim, marking a pivotal moment for Latin music in the US mainstream. That same night, Vuelve earned Martin his first Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Performance.
In October 1998, CNN confirmed Martin was working on his first English-language album, spurred by the success of Vuelve. Titled Ricky Martin, the album was released on May 11, 1999, two weeks ahead of schedule due to overwhelming public interest following his Grammy performance. It debuted atop the US Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 661,000 copies, setting a record for the largest sales week by any album in 1999 and the highest first-week sales for any pop or Latin artist in history. Martin became the first male Latin act to debut at number one on the US Billboard 200. The album was certified 7x platinum by the RIAA, denoting shipments of over seven million copies in the US, and became the best-selling album by a Latin artist in the country. Within three months, it was the best-selling album ever by a Latin artist, with total worldwide sales reaching over 15 million, and some sources even claiming 17 million copies. It was nominated for Best Pop Album at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards.
The album's lead single "Livin' la Vida Loca" (Livin' la Vida LocaLivin' the Crazy LifeSpanish) became Martin's biggest hit, topping charts in over 20 countries and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. In the United States, it held the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks, marking his first number one single on the chart and breaking several Billboard records. It also topped the Canada Top Singles chart for eight consecutive weeks and the UK Singles Chart for three weeks, making Martin the first Puerto Rican artist to hit number one in the UK. Elle ranked it as the best '90s pop song, and Billboard included it among the Best Latin Songs of All Time. It received four nominations at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Its Spanish version also topped the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart and was nominated for Record of the Year at the 1st Annual Latin Grammy Awards.
"She's All I Ever Had" was released as the second single in June 1999, peaking at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number three on the Canada Top Singles charts. Its Spanish version, "Bella" (BellaBeautifulSpanish), topped charts in five countries and Billboard's Hot Latin Tracks chart. To further promote the album, Martin embarked on the worldwide Livin' la Vida Loca Tour, which became the highest-grossing tour by a Latin artist in the US in 2000.

3.5. Subsequent album activities (2000s-present)
While the Livin' la Vida Loca Tour was still ongoing, Ricky Martin returned to the studio to record his sixth studio album, Sound Loaded, released on November 14, 2000. The album debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 318,000 copies. It sold over seven to eight million copies worldwide and was certified double platinum in the US. The album featured two hit singles: "She Bangs" and "Nobody Wants to Be Lonely". "She Bangs" reached number one in seven countries, including Italy and Sweden, and the top five in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It was nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards. Its Spanish-language version topped the Hot Latin Tracks chart and won the Latin Grammy Award for Best Music Video at the 2nd Annual Latin Grammy Awards. "Nobody Wants to Be Lonely" was re-recorded as a duet with American singer Christina Aguilera, peaking at number one in five countries and the top five in Italy, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. It was nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards. The solo Spanish version, "Sólo Quiero Amarte" (Sólo Quiero AmarteI Only Want to Love YouSpanish), topped the Hot Latin Tracks chart. Both "She Bangs" and "Nobody Wants to Be Lonely" received silver certifications in the UK. In February 2001, Martin released a Spanish compilation album, La Historia (La HistoriaThe HistorySpanish), which spent five weeks at number one on the Top Latin Albums chart, topped charts in Argentina and Sweden, and was certified quadruple Latin platinum in the United States. Later that year, there were plans for him to star in a remake of Elvis Presley's Viva Las Vegas alongside Jennifer Lopez, but this project did not materialize.

Following the success of Ricky Martin (1999) and Sound Loaded, Martin initially planned to release a third English-language album as his seventh studio effort, intended to be his first complete work in songwriting. However, after a two-year hiatus, he decided to release a Spanish-language album, despite Sony Music Entertainment's original plans. He stated, "I woke up five months ago, and I said 'We're doing an album in Spanish.' Everyone went nuts. They said, 'You don't have time; you have to release an album in English because of timing issues with your career.' And that's fine. But I told them, 'In five months, you'll have a kick-ass album' [in Spanish]." Martin's seventh studio album, Almas del Silencio (Almas del SilencioSouls from the SilenceSpanish), was released in May 2003. It debuted atop the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart with first-week sales of 65,000 copies, setting a record for the largest first-week sales for a Spanish-language album in the US. The album also debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200, tying with the 2002 album Quizás (QuizásMaybeSpanish) as the highest-charting Spanish-language debut on that chart. It also debuted at number one in at least 13 Latin American markets and sold over two million copies worldwide.
Almas del Silencio spawned three Hot Latin Tracks chart-toppers: "Tal Vez" (Tal VezPerhapsSpanish), "Jaleo" (JaleoJaleo (Commotion)Spanish), and "Y Todo Queda en Nada" (Y Todo Queda en NadaAnd Everything Ends in NothingSpanish). "Tal Vez" debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks chart on April 12, 2003, marking the first number one debut since February 1998 and becoming only the sixth song in the chart's history to do so. It spent a total of 11 weeks at this position, surpassing "Livin' la Vida Loca" as Martin's longest-running number-one single on the chart and becoming the longest-running number one of 2003. It also topped charts in several Latin American markets. In October 2005, Martin released his third English album, Life. He described the album as "very multi-layered, just like life is. It's about feeling anger. It's about feeling joy. It's about feeling uncertainty. It's about feeling. And all my emotions are part of this production." To promote Life, Martin embarked on the worldwide One Night Only with Ricky Martin tour.
Although Martin's team and MTV had discussed an MTV Unplugged for years, the idea gained momentum after his One Night Only tour, which featured an acoustic segment. Martin taped his MTV Unplugged set in Miami in August 2006, performing both romantic ballads and up-tempo tropical dance songs. During the performance, he debuted three new tracks, including "Tu Recuerdo" (Tu RecuerdoYour MemorySpanish), which was released as the lead single from his debut live album MTV Unplugged (2006). The album debuted at number one on the Top Latin Albums chart and sold over two million copies worldwide, becoming his highest-certified album in Mexico. It won two Latin Grammy Awards and was nominated for Album of the Year. "Tu Recuerdo" reached number one in five countries, as well as Billboard's Hot Latin Songs and Latin Pop Airplay charts. The track was certified quadruple platinum in Mexico and was nominated for Record of the Year at the 8th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. The artist then embarked on the Black and White Tour in 2007, including four sold-out shows at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in Puerto Rico. These concerts were compiled into his second live album Ricky Martin... Live Black & White Tour (2007). Later that year, he released his first Italian song, "Non siamo soli" (Non siamo soliWe Are Not AloneItalian), a duet with Italian singer Eros Ramazzotti. The song debuted at number one in Italy and spent eleven consecutive weeks atop the chart.

In January 2011, Martin launched his ninth studio album, Música + Alma + Sexo (Música + Alma + SexoMusic + Soul + SexSpanish). The album debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 chart, becoming the highest-charting primarily-Spanish language set since Dreaming of You (1995) by American singer Selena. It holds the record as the highest-charting Latin album of the 2010s and represents the highest-ever chart debut on the Billboard 200 for a Sony Music Latin release. Música + Alma + Sexo also peaked at number one in Argentina and Venezuela, as well as Billboard's Top Latin Albums. Its lead single, "Lo Mejor de Mi Vida Eres Tú" (Lo Mejor de Mi Vida Eres TúThe Best Thing About Me Is YouSpanish), reached number one on the US Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart and was nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Short Form Music Video at the 12th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. To promote the album, Martin embarked on the Música + Alma + Sexo World Tour in 2011.
In February 2012, he appeared as Spanish teacher David Martinez on the twelfth episode of the third season of the American musical television series Glee, titled "The Spanish Teacher". Martin also starred as Ché in the Broadway revival of the musical Evita from March 2012 to January 2013. The show became a hit, breaking the theater's box-office sales record after only six performances. It subsequently broke its own record six times and was nominated for Best Revival of a Musical at the 66th Tony Awards. The show's soundtrack album debuted at number one on Billboard's cast album chart.

Martin served as a coach on the second season of the Australian singing competition television series The Voice in 2013. In the same year, he released a compilation album, Greatest Hits: Souvenir Edition, which reached number two in Australia, as well as a new single, "Come with Me", which debuted at number three in the country. The artist then embarked on the Ricky Martin Live tour in Australia in October 2013. He continued serving as a coach on both the third and fourth seasons of The Voice Australia in 2014 and 2015, respectively. In 2014, Lars Brandle from Billboard noted, "Through his high-profile slot on The Voice, Ricky's profile in Australia has never been as big as it is right now." On February 25, 2014, Wisin released "Adrenalina" (AdrenalinaAdrenalineSpanish) from his album El Regreso del Sobreviviente (El Regreso del SobrevivienteThe Return of the SurvivorSpanish), featuring Jennifer Lopez and Martin, which became the Univision's 2014 World Cup song. Later that year, Martin released his single "Vida" (VidaLifeSpanish) for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The song reached the top five in Spain and on the US Hot Latin Songs chart. Also in 2014, he served as a coach on the fourth season of The Voice Mexico, and embarked on the Live in Mexico tour.
In February 2015, Martin released his tenth studio album, A Quien Quiera Escuchar (A Quien Quiera EscucharTo Those Who Want to ListenSpanish). The album debuted at number one on Billboard's Top Latin Albums chart and peaked at number one in Argentina. It won the award for Best Latin Pop Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards and Album of the Year at the 1st Latin American Music Awards. The album spawned three Hot Latin Songs top-10 hits: "Adiós" (AdiósGoodbyeSpanish), "Disparo al Corazón" (Disparo al CorazónShot to the HeartSpanish), and "La Mordidita" (La Mordiditathe NibbleSpanish). "Disparo al Corazón" was nominated for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 16th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. "La Mordidita" achieved significant commercial success, being certified 15x Latin platinum in the United States, and its music video has garnered over 1.2 billion views on YouTube. To promote the album, Martin embarked on the One World Tour from 2015 to 2017. He also served as an executive producer and a judge on the American singing competition series La Banda (La Bandathe BandSpanish), which premiered in 2015 and 2016 on Univision. The first season sought the next Latin boy band, while the second looked for a Latin girl band, with contestants competing for a recording deal with Sony Music Latin and Syco Music. CNCO, known as the first boy band to incorporate reggaeton, won the first season, and Martin became their manager, producing their debut album, Primera Cita (Primera CitaFirst DateSpanish) (2016).
On September 23, 2016, Martin released "Vente Pa' Ca" (Vente Pa' CaCome HereSpanish), featuring Colombian singer Maluma. The song became one of the biggest Spanish-language songs of 2016, reaching number one in seven countries, as well as Billboard's Latin Airplay, Latin Pop Airplay, and Tropical Airplay charts. It also reached the top five in Spain and on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs, being certified quadruple platinum in Spain and diamond in Mexico. The track was nominated for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 18th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. Its accompanying music video has received over 1.75 billion views on YouTube. Martin signed a concert residency, named All In, to perform at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino in Las Vegas in 2017 and 2018. He portrayed fashion designer Gianni Versace's partner Antonio D'Amico in the FX true crime anthology television series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, a role he called "the acting opportunity of his career." The role earned him a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series Or Movie at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards. In February 2018, Martin released "Fiebre" (FiebreFeverSpanish), featuring Wisin & Yandel. The song was commercially successful in Latin America, reaching number one in Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Uruguay. It also topped the Billboard Latin Airplay and Latin Rhythm Airplay charts.

At the 61st Annual Grammy Awards, Martin performed "Havana", "Pégate" (PégateGet CloserSpanish), and "Mi Gente" (Mi GenteMy PeopleSpanish), alongside Camila Cabello, J Balvin, Young Thug, and Arturo Sandoval, as the opening performance. Martin served as a coach on the eighteenth season of the Italian talent show Amici di Maria De Filippi (Amici di Maria De FilippiFriends of Maria De FilippiItalian) in 2019. In the same year, Maluma released "No Se Me Quita" (No Se Me QuitaIt Doesn't Go AwaySpanish) from his album 11:11, which featured Martin. The song reached number one in Mexico and was certified quadruple platinum in the country. Martin hosted the 20th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in November 2019, alongside Roselyn Sánchez and Paz Vega.
The artist started recording his eleventh studio album, initially titled Movimiento (MovimientoMovementSpanish), in the second half of 2019, inspired by the 2019 political protests in Puerto Rico. He embarked on the Movimiento Tour in 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent personal experiences, he decided to split the tour's associated album into two extended plays, Pausa (PausaPauseSpanish) and Play (PlayPlaySpanish); the former was released in May 2020, while the latter was released in May 2022.
Pausa was nominated for Album of the Year and won the award for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 21st Annual Latin Grammy Awards. The second single from the EP, "Tiburones" (TiburonesSharksSpanish), reached number one in Argentina and Puerto Rico, and was also nominated for Song of the Year at the 21st Annual Latin Grammy Awards. Martin starred as the voice of the villainous miniature figure Don Juan Diego in the American Christmas musical fantasy film Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. The film was released on Netflix on November 13, 2020, and received generally favorable reviews. In April 2021, Martin released his hit single "Canción Bonita" (Canción BonitaPretty SongSpanish) with Colombian singer Carlos Vives, which achieved significant commercial success in Latin America, reaching number one in 12 countries. It was also nominated for Song of the Year and Best Pop Song at the 22nd Annual Latin Grammy Awards. Later that year, he embarked on his first co-headlining tour, the Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin Live in Concert alongside Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias. Martin released Play on July 13, 2022. The EP included singles "Otra Noche en L.A." and "A Veces Bien y a Veces Mal" (A Veces Bien y a Veces MalSometimes Good and Sometimes BadSpanish); the former reached number one in four countries. In 2023 and 2024, Martin participated in "The Trilogy Tour" with Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull, performing across the U.S. and Canada.
3.6. Acting career
Ricky Martin's acting career began in Mexico after his departure from Menudo. He performed in the musical comedy play Mama Ama el Rock (Mama Ama el RockMom Loves RockSpanish), which led to his role in the Mexican telenovela Alcanzar una estrella (Alcanzar una estrellaTo reach a starSpanish) in 1990, and its second season, Alcanzar una estrella II (1991). He also starred in the film based on the TV series, Más que alcanzar una estrella (Más que alcanzar una estrellaMore than reaching for a starSpanish) (1992), earning an El Heraldo Award.
In 1994, he moved to Los Angeles for the American sitcom Getting By. Although the show was short-lived, he soon landed the role of Miguel Morez on the popular soap opera General Hospital, portraying the character for two years. Despite gaining popularity, Martin felt a disconnect with the cast and observed different treatment due to his Puerto Rican accent, refusing suggestions for accent reduction classes.
His stage career includes his Broadway debut in 1996 as Marius Pontmercy in Les Misérables. In 1997, he lent his voice to the Latin American dub of Disney's Hercules. He later appeared in the film Idle Hands (1999). In 2012, he returned to Broadway to star as Ché in the revival of Evita from March 2012 to January 2013. The production was a success, breaking box-office records and earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Revival of a Musical. He also made a guest appearance as Spanish teacher David Martinez in the "The Spanish Teacher" episode of the musical television series Glee in 2012.
In 2015, Martin appeared in the documentary The Latin Explosion: A New America and provided a voice role for the Latin American dub of Minions. A significant acting opportunity came in 2017 when he portrayed fashion designer Gianni Versace's partner Antonio D'Amico in the FX true crime anthology series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. This role garnered him a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series Or Movie at the 70th Primetime Emmy Awards. In 2020, he voiced the villainous miniature figure Don Juan Diego in the American Christmas musical fantasy film Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. His filmography also includes El cuartito (2021) and the television series Palm Royale (2024).
3.7. Tours and concerts
Ricky Martin has undertaken numerous successful tours and concert residencies throughout his solo career.
Headlining tours
- Ricky Martin Tour (1992)
- Me Amaras Tour (1993-1994)
- A Medio Vivir Tour (1995-1997)
- Vuelve World Tour (1998)
- Livin' la Vida Loca Tour (1999-2000)
- One Night Only with Ricky Martin (2005-2006)
- Black and White Tour (2007)
- Música + Alma + Sexo World Tour (2011)
- Ricky Martin Live (2013-2014)
- Live in Mexico (2014)
- One World Tour (2015-2018)
- Ricky Martin en Concierto (2018-2019)
- Movimiento Tour (2020-2022)
- Sinfónico Tour (2022-2023)
Co-headlining tours
- Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin Live in Concert (with Enrique Iglesias) (2021)
- The Trilogy Tour (with Enrique Iglesias & Pitbull) (2023-2024)
Residency
- All In (2017-2018)
4. Artistry
Ricky Martin's artistry is characterized by his musical versatility, diverse influences, powerful vocal delivery, and visually striking music videos.
4.1. Musical style and influences
Considered a versatile artist, Ricky Martin describes his music as Latin pop, emphasizing that its broad spectrum allows him to be influenced by industry trends while maintaining his unique identity. He also characterizes his music as a fusion, stating that he does not simply "ride the waves that are in fashion at the moment." Martin performs in multiple languages, including Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian, and French. His lyrics often explore themes of love and heartbreak, but he also uses his platform to sing about social issues such as "freedom, freedom of expression, and social justice." As a Latino artist, he openly embraces and expresses sexuality and sensuality in his music, bringing his cultural background to the stage.
As a child, Martin was exposed to a wide range of musical genres. He sang songs by Menudo and rock bands like Led Zeppelin, Journey, and REO Speedwagon, which were popular among his older siblings. His mother, however, introduced him to the richness of Puerto Rican culture and Latin music, including artists like Fania All-Stars, Celia Cruz, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, and Gilberto Santa Rosa. He recalls his mother taking him to a Fania All-Stars concert, an experience he is "beyond grateful" for, noting that these influences had a "profound effect" on his musical career.
Martin has also cited global pop icons such as Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Madonna for teaching him "the beauty of pop." He specifically mentioned Madonna as a significant influence, stating, "I was very influenced by her and her music. I know every choreography of Madonna." Additionally, he acknowledges Carlos Santana, José Feliciano, Celia Cruz, and Gloria Estefan as artists who paved the way for him, naming Feliciano as a teenage inspiration due to his captivating music. Beyond musical figures, Martin draws inspiration from David Bowie's "ambiguous sexuality" and admired Elton John's music, colors, and wigs, questioning whether he wanted to emulate them or simply admired their artistry. He has also expressed a desire to be an "entertainer, not just a singer," citing Barbra Streisand as an example.
4.2. Vocal
Ricky Martin possesses a dramatic tenor vocal range. Critics have consistently praised his singing abilities throughout his career. Peter Gilstrap from Variety noted his "powerful voice" as being "capable of belt or lilt," while Noa Amouyal of The Jerusalem Post described his voice as "soulful" and "very powerful."
In 1995, Enrique Lopetegui of the Los Angeles Times highlighted Martin's "improved vocal skills" on his album A Medio Vivir. Ernesto Lechner, also from the Los Angeles Times, later commended his vocal performance for being "charismatic enough to handle both ballads and up-tempo tunes." Similarly, Billboard's Chuck Taylor praised his "tender and heartfelt" vocal on "She's All I Ever Had," noting its versatility compared to his previous single, "Livin' la Vida Loca." Steve Gerrard of Montreal Rocks complimented "his vocal maturity" on A Quien Quiera Escuchar.
4.3. Music videos
Billboard has recognized Ricky Martin as "a video icon," ranking him as the 79th Greatest Music Video Artist of All Time in 2020. The publication noted, "From the moment he sashayed up to the mic in 'Livin La Vida Loca' all dressed in black, and gave us that look, the Menudo alum became the most memorable and watchable drop-dead handsome guy in pop music."
Martin has collaborated with various notable directors for his music videos, including Carlos Perez, Wayne Isham, Jessy Terrero, Simón Brand, Gustavo Garzón, Nigel Dick, Kacho Lopez, and Memo del Bosque. The music video for "Livin' la Vida Loca" was nominated for Video of the Year at the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, making Martin the first Latin artist to receive a nomination in this prestigious category. It ultimately won a total of five awards at the ceremony, placing it among the videos with the most wins in MTV Video Music Awards history.
The music video for "She Bangs" sparked controversy due to its explicit sexual scenes, leading several American television stations to edit or cut portions when airing it. According to John Dingwall of the Daily Record, the video marked a transformation in Martin's image, moving from a teen idol to a more mature artist. Consequently, it was banned in several Latin American countries, including the Dominican Republic. Martin, however, told MTV News that the video represented freedom rather than merely his sexuality. Despite the controversy, the video received significant accolades, including Best Music Video at the 2nd Annual Latin Grammy Awards, Best Clip of the Year - Latin at the 2001 Billboard Music Video Awards, and Video of the Year at the 13th Lo Nuestro Awards.
5. Personal life
Ricky Martin's personal life has evolved significantly throughout his career, marked by his journey of self-discovery, relationships, and building a family.
5.1. Sexual orientation and coming out
In his early life, Ricky Martin had relationships with both men and women. In 2000, American broadcast journalist Barbara Walters publicly questioned his sexuality on national television, asking him to confirm or deny rumors. Martin, who responded with "I just don't feel like it" at the time, later revealed that her question made him feel "violatd" and "very afraid," resulting in "a little fake PTSD" that "still haunts him," as he was not ready to come out.
In August 2008, Martin became a father to twin boys, Matteo and Valentino, born via gestational surrogacy. He chose surrogacy as a path to parenthood, finding it "intriguing and faster" than adoption, which he felt was complicated and time-consuming.
On March 29, 2010, Martin publicly came out as gay through a message on his website, stating, "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am." In an interview with Vanity Fair, he reflected on his past relationships, declaring, "There was love, passion. I do not regret anything, any of the relationships I lived, they taught me a lot, both men and women." However, he also told Fama! that while he is "open to having sex with a woman if I feel desire," he would not be interested in "an ongoing relationship with a woman," clarifying, "Men are my thing." Martin dated Puerto Rican economist Carlos González Abella from 2010 to 2014, marking his first public relationship with a man after coming out.
5.2. Marriage and children
Ricky Martin became a father to twin boys, Matteo and Valentino, in August 2008, born via gestational surrogacy.

On March 30, 2016, Syrian-Swedish painter Jwan Yosef shared a photo of himself and Martin on Instagram, hinting at their relationship. In January 2018, Martin confirmed that he had secretly married Yosef, stating, "I'm a husband..." On December 31, 2018, they announced the birth of their first daughter together, Lucia Martin-Yosef. In September 2019, while accepting an award at the 23rd annual Human Rights Campaign (HRC) National Dinner, Martin announced they were expecting their fourth child. On October 29, 2019, he shared a photo of himself, Yosef, and their newborn son, Renn Martin-Yosef, announcing his birth.
In July 2023, Martin and Yosef announced their separation and intent to divorce after six years of marriage. In 2022, Martin was accused by his nephew of sexual abuse. Martin subsequently filed a 20.00 M USD lawsuit against his nephew, alleging that the false accusation led to the cancellation of several million-dollar deals.
5.3. Beliefs and religion
Ricky Martin was raised Catholic and served as an altar boy during his childhood. Despite his Catholic upbringing, he has stated that he is not "the person who would ever look down upon one religion" and admires Buddhist philosophy. He began practicing Yoga after a trip to Thailand in 1997. In a 2002 interview with People, Martin expressed his belief in "love," "the power of healing," and "God," crediting his parents for instilling these values. The name he chose for his son Matteo, meaning "gift from God," reflects his faith. In a 2021 interview, he reaffirmed his belief in God.
5.4. Real estate
Ricky Martin has made several significant real estate transactions throughout his career. In March 2001, he purchased a 7.08 K ft2 house in Miami Beach for 6.40 M USD, selling it for 10.60 M USD in 2005. In September 2004, he acquired an 11,000-square-foot Mediterranean-style villa in Los Angeles for 11.90 M USD, which he sold in 2006 for 15.00 M USD. In May 2005, he bought a 9.49 K ft2 house in Miami Beach for 10.00 M USD, selling it for 10.60 M USD in 2012. In 2007, he paid 16.20 M USD for a mansion in Golden Beach, which he sold in 2012 for 12.80 M USD, incurring a loss.
In the same year, he purchased a 3.15 K ft2 condominium in New York City for 5.90 M USD, selling it for 7.10 M USD in 2017. In 2014, he rented a 9688 ft2 (900 m2) mansion in Sydney, known as "the Bronte Wave House," which sold for 16.00 M USD in May 2015, becoming one of the most expensive properties sold in the city that year. His current residence is an 11.30 K ft2 mansion in Beverly Hills, purchased in December 2016. This estate features seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms with outdoor seating areas spread across 33.00 K ft2, offering a "private getaway in the middle of the city" near the Beverly Hills Hotel. Martin also owns property in Puerto Rico and a private 20 acre (19.7 acre) island in Brazil, which he acquired for 8.00 M USD in 2008. In 2022, La Nación estimated his net worth at 130.00 M USD.
6. Activism and philanthropy
Ricky Martin is a dedicated activist and philanthropist, focusing his efforts on combating human trafficking and advocating for LGBT rights.
6.1. Ricky Martin Foundation
In 2004, Ricky Martin established The Ricky Martin Foundation, a non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to combating human trafficking and protecting children.

In January 2005, following the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Martin visited Thailand to assess the needs of minor survivors, who were particularly vulnerable to traffickers. Later that year, the foundation partnered with Habitat for Humanity to construct 224 homes for tsunami-affected families, a project completed in December 2006. In March 2006, the foundation collaborated with the International Organization for Migration on the Llama y Vive (Llama y ViveCall and LiveSpanish) campaign, aimed at preventing human trafficking and protecting young victims. In 2012, the foundation contributed to the development of the Child Protection Model Law at the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children.
6.2. LGBT rights advocacy
As an openly gay man, Ricky Martin has been a staunch supporter of LGBT rights worldwide since publicly coming out in 2010. Even before his coming out, he was recognized by mainstream media for his popularity among gay men and his large gay fanbase, even appearing on the cover of the American LGBTQ-interest magazine The Advocate in July 1999.
Despite his public image, Martin admitted to having internalized homophobia in his youth due to his Catholic upbringing. He recalled feeling that homosexuality was evil and directing his anger towards others, particularly gay men, stating, "I was very angry, very rebellious. I used to look at gay men and think, 'I'm not like that, I don't want to be like that, that's not me.' I was ashamed."
Currently, Martin is considered a gay icon. PinkNews has lauded him as "a strong advocate of LGBT rights" who has "expressed support for equal marriage" since coming out. As the first mainstream Latin music artist to come out, Martin's public announcement was a pivotal moment for "Latin Pride." Billboard's Lucas Villa noted that Martin's decision provided "a beacon of hope" for gay artists who had kept their sexual identities secret, paving the way for a growing number of Latin artists to embrace their identities openly. Suzy Exposito from Rolling Stone argued that by risking his career and coming out, Martin "set the scene for Bad Bunny to be free in many ways that, during his own breakthrough moment, he could not."
In June 2019, Martin published an open letter vehemently opposing a proposed "religious liberty bill" in Puerto Rico, stating, "As a defender of human rights and a member of the LGBTT - community, I am vehemently opposed to the proposed measure imposed upon us under the guise of religious freedom, that projects us to the world as a backwards country." Following Martin's powerful statement, Puerto Rico's then-governor withdrew support for the bill.
Several of Martin's music videos actively feature diversity in sexual orientations and same-sex couples, including "Lo Mejor de Mi Vida Eres Tú", "Disparo al Corazón", "Fiebre", and "Tiburones". For his activism and advocacy for the LGBTQ community, Martin has been honored with numerous accolades, including the GLAAD Vito Russo Award, the Gala Vanguard Award by the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the International Icon Award by the British LGBT Awards, the National Visibility Award by the Human Rights Campaign, the Trailblazer Award by the LGBT Center Dinner, the Celebrity Activist of the Year by LGBTQ Nation, and the Legacy Award by the Attitude Awards.
6.3. Political stances
Ricky Martin's political views have evolved over time. On January 20, 2001, he performed "The Cup of Life" and danced with George W. Bush during Bush's first inauguration. However, Martin's view of Bush shifted following the Iraq War, as he declared to BBC News that he would "always condemn war and those who promulgate it."
At the 2010 Billboard Latin Music Awards, Martin publicly expressed his disagreement with the Arizona SB 1070 bill, a proposed law that would have required police officers to request documents from individuals suspected of being illegal immigrants. Martin has consistently supported Democratic presidential candidates, including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and Joe Biden. In May 2021, Martin demonstrated his support for the Ni una menos movement, condemning femicides and violence against women in Puerto Rico and urging authorities to protect women.

In October 2024, Martin endorsed Kamala Harris for president. This endorsement came after a rally held by former U.S. president Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden, where comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made disparaging remarks comparing Puerto Rico to a "floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean." Martin's endorsement highlighted his continued advocacy for Puerto Rico and his opposition to rhetoric he deemed offensive to his homeland.
7. Recognition
Throughout his illustrious career, Ricky Martin has garnered over 200 awards, making him one of the most awarded male Latin artists. His accolades include two Grammy Awards, five Latin Grammy Awards, and five MTV Video Music Awards, tying him for the most wins by a Latin artist in the latter category. He has also received two American Music Awards, three Latin American Music Awards, three Billboard Music Awards, a Billboard Music Video Award, nine Billboard Latin Music Awards, eight World Music Awards, and fourteen Lo Nuestro Awards, including the Lo Nuestro Excellence Award. His global impact was recognized with a Guinness World Record. As an actor, he earned an Emmy Award nomination.
In 2007, Martin was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at 6901 Hollywood Blvd. On October 11, 2007, the then-mayor of Miami Beach, Florida David Dermer presented him with the key to the city of Miami Beach. Puerto Rico recognized his contributions by naming August 31 "International Ricky Martin Day" in 2008. The Government of Spain granted him Spanish nationality in 2011, acknowledging his artistic achievements. In 2018, in recognition of "his dedication to the island and people of Puerto Rico, his philanthropic work to eliminate human trafficking across the Caribbean, and his commitment to the arts," the city of New York City issued a proclamation naming June 7 "Ricky Martin Day." Throughout his career, Martin has sold over 70 million records worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the best-selling Latin music artists of all time.

8. Books
On August 19, 2010, Ricky Martin announced the upcoming publication of his memoir, titled Me, with a release date of November 2, 2010. He stated that writing the book was "one of the reasons" he decided to come out as gay earlier that year. The book also had a Spanish edition, Yo (YoMeSpanish), which was published simultaneously. Me spent several weeks at number one on the New York Times Best Seller list.
Martin's first children's book, Santiago the Dreamer in Land Among the Stars, was published by Celebra in November 2013 and illustrated by Patricia Castelao, targeting ages five to nine. Its Spanish-language edition, Santiago El Soñador en Entre Las Estrellas, was released concurrently. Martin explained that the book was inspired by his "personal life, with fantasy added to it," as well as "a lot of cartoons."
9. Influence
Ricky Martin has been widely hailed as the "King of Latin Pop" by various publications.
His song "María (Pablo Flores Remix)" is recognized for launching the Latin and dance music crossover of the 1990s, according to Billboard, and was ranked among the "Greatest Latin Pop Songs of All Time" by Rolling Stone. Olivier Pérou from Le Point commented that, due to the song's popularity, "some have even learned, thanks to him, to count to three in Spanish." "La Copa de la Vida", widely considered the Best World Cup Anthem of All-Time by multiple sources, became a "musical template" for subsequent World Cup anthems, with its Latin and dance crossover style and the inclusion of the "Ole! Ole! Ole!" chant influencing many.
Martin is credited as a pioneer in bringing the Latin pop music genre to mainstream recognition. His electrifying performance of "The Cup of Life" at the Grammys, along with the subsequent success of "Livin' la Vida Loca" and his 1999 English album Ricky Martin, opened doors for numerous other Latin artists. This included figures like Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Christina Aguilera, Marc Anthony, Santana, and Enrique Iglesias, who followed his path to achieve global success with their crossover albums. His Grammy performance is regarded as a game-changer for Latin music worldwide, effectively ushering in the "Latin explosion" that profoundly impacted the US mainstream. Rob Prinz, then-head of United Talent Agency, described the rendition as "the single biggest game changing moment for any artist in the history of the Grammys." Entertainment Tonight credits "Livin' la Vida Loca" as the song that helped other Latin artists break into English-speaking markets, while The Independent regards it as the song that initiated the first Latin pop explosion.
His early career as a member of Menudo was portrayed in the biographical web television series Súbete a Mi Moto, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video in October 2020 and on Estrella TV in the United States in February 2021. The series, which depicted Martin through actors Felipe Albors and Ethan Schwartz, received a positive reception, with Tomatazos noting it "recalls a band that defined the youth of a certain public, but that doesn't ignore the darkest moments in the lives of its members." In 2023, Martin was ranked as the most famous Latin music artist in the United States by YouGov surveys. His public image evolved from a "teen idol" and "pop icon" who guarded his private life to an open and transparent figure, as he stated in 2021, "I am a man with no secrets." He is also widely considered a sex symbol.
10. Discography
- Ricky Martin (1991)
- Me Amaras (1993)
- A Medio Vivir (1995)
- Vuelve (1998)
- Ricky Martin (1999)
- Sound Loaded (2000)
- Almas del Silencio (2003)
- Life (2005)
- Música + Alma + Sexo (2011)
- A Quien Quiera Escuchar (2015)
11. Filmography
- Mas Que Alcanzar una estrella (1992)
- Hercules - Latin American dub (1997)
- Idle Hands (1999)
- Ricky Martin: One Night Only (1999)
- Minions - Latin American dub (2015)
- The Latin Explosion: A New America (2015)
- Ricky Martin: Behind the Vegas Residency (2017)
- Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
- El cuartito (2021)
- Palm Royale (2024)
12. Theatre
- Les Misérables (1996), Broadway - Marius Pontmercy
- Evita (2012), Broadway - Ché