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From a shy boy in San Juan, Puerto
Rico to an international icon, Ricky Martin's journey
is one of passion, perseverance, and groundbreaking success.
With an early love for performance, he transformed
himself into a global sensation, captivating audiences with
his magnetic stage presence, soulful voice, and undeniable charisma.
No one has the same impact, nobody has the same influence, and no one has the
same longevity as the original, which is Ricky Martin.
Ricky first gained recognition as a member of
the boy band Menudo, but his solo career catapulted him to superstardom.
His global breakthrough came with La Copa de
la Vida in 1998, followed by the smash
hit Livin' La Vida Loca, which redefined Latin pop.
He literally changes the whole structure of the music industry in that way.
Beyond music, Ricky's influence extends to advocacy.
Coming out as gay in 2010, he became a powerful voice for LGBTQ plus rights.
Through the Ricky Martin Foundation, he has also
been a dedicated activist in the fight against
human trafficking and child exploitation.
Alongside his career in activism, Ricky has built a beautiful family.
As a devoted father, he has embraced parenthood
with love and dedication, raising his children in
a multilingual and culturally rich environment.
His family represents the values he stands for, love, inclusion, and diversity.
Through decades of highs and challenges, Ricky Martin
remains a trailblazer, constantly evolving while staying true
to his artistry and personal convictions.
His story is not just one of fame,
it is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and
the power of music to break barriers and unite cultures.
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From a quiet, shy boy growing up in
San Juan, Puerto Rico, Ricky Martin's rise to
fame was nothing short of meteoric.
Long before he became an international sensation, he
harbored a burning passion for performance, a fire
that would eventually propel him from local stages to global arenas.
His journey is a testament to the power
of perseverance and talent, transforming him from a
humble child into a megastar adored by millions.
Ricky's talent was undeniable.
As an actor, singer, and dancer, he captivated
audiences with his versatility, moving effortlessly between various
forms of entertainment.
His charisma and infectious energy on stage made
him a force to be reckoned with, and it didn't take long for him to become
a household name in Latin America.
But it wasn't until a fateful moment in 1998 that the world truly took notice.
In the late 90s, Ricky was already a beloved figure in Latin music.
But outside of that world, he was still relatively unknown.
That all changed when he was chosen to write and perform the theme song for the
1998 FIFA World Cup, La Copa de la Vida.
Ricky Martin may not have seemed an obvious
choice to perform at the FIFA World Cup,
but he was picked and it changed everything for him.
His performance of La Copa de la Vida was seen by over 1 billion people all
around the world.
This single performance would be the turning point
in his career, propelling him onto the world stage.
They could see this incredible performer, so energetic,
so vibrant, with so much charisma, and so, so sexy.
He recorded the song in multiple languages, ensuring
its reach spread far and wide.
The infectious rhythm and exuberant energy of La
Copa de la Vida spread like wildfire, quickly
earning the attention of the music industry.
And of course, that brought him to the
attention of the Grammys, where he performed the song again in 1999.
Tommy Mottola, the head of Columbia Records, believed
in his potential and lobbied for Ricky to be part of the Grammy ceremony.
The Grammy performance was a make-or-break
moment for Ricky, and the stakes couldn't have been higher.
The notoriously tough Grammy audience, made up of
music professionals and industry insiders, was known for being hard to impress.
However, Ricky delivered a performance that electrified the crowd.
On February 24, 1999, he took to the stage with a 15-piece band and a
sea of dancers and percussionists, delivering a bilingual
version of La Copa de la Vida that left the audience in awe.
♪ Para sobrevivir y luchar por ella ♪
♪ Do you really want it? ♪
♪ Yeah! ♪ ♪ Do you really want it? ♪
♪ Yeah! ♪
♪ Here we go! Ale, Ale, Ale! ♪
♪ Go, go, go! Ale, Ale, Ale! ♪
♪ Tonight’s the night we’re gonna celebrate ♪
♪ The cup of life... Ale, Ale, Ale! ♪
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The result?
A standing ovation and an unforgettable moment that
cemented his status as a global superstar.
The performance wasn't just well-received.
It was the defining moment that marked Ricky's
arrival on the international stage.
We all know Madonna.
Madonna is so well-known for seeing things,
the future, if you would.
She's a little bit of a soothsayer.
And she forged a relationship with Martin there at the Grammy Awards in 1999.
Getting the tip of approval from Madonna also really helped Ricky Martin.
And it's really, really created that foundation for
him having an English language record.
Later that night, Ricky was awarded his first
Grammy for best Latin pop performance for his
album, Vuelve, further solidifying his place among the industry's elite.
In the days that followed, the media frenzy was unstoppable.
Ricky's name and face were everywhere on the
cover of Times, Newsweek, People, and Rolling Stone.
He had become the media darling, gracing the
covers of major publications and appearing on the biggest television shows.
But with his newfound fame came a series
of personal questions that would haunt him for years to come.
Fans and the media alike were curious about
Ricky's sexuality, and rumors about his private life began to swirl.
In 2010, after years of speculation, Ricky made
the bold decision to come out publicly, revealing his truth to the world.
When Ricky Martin comes out as actually being
gay, it's a very, very brave moment because
his whole marketing thing was that he was this sexy, spicy, heterosexual.
And for him to be authentic in who he was, he really put his whole career
on the line.
So in that way, I think it makes him more icon.
It makes him more of a trailblazer in so many different ways.
His announcement was met with an outpouring of
support from fans and peers, but it also sparked controversy and speculation.
Ricky's journey toward self-acceptance and his decision
to speak out would later serve as an
inspiration to countless others struggling with their own identities.
His newfound fame transcended the music world.
Ricky's popularity was so immense that he even
performed for the president of the United States,
marking a moment of cultural significance.
The idea that a person of that heritage
and background can be a consumer product, can be a lead man, that's a new idea
in the year 2000 when he really makes a statement.
From performing at the inauguration of President George
Bush to becoming an icon in Latin music,
Ricky's success became a symbol of the Latin
community's rising influence in the mainstream American pop culture.
By 1999, Ricky Martin had risen to international
stardom, but this rise wasn't a result of luck or privilege.
Ricky's journey began with humble roots.
Enrique Jose Marti Morales, better known to the
world as Ricky Martin, was born on December 24, 1971 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Raised in a close-knit Catholic family by
his mother, Doña Nereida Morales, a former accountant,
and his father, Enrique Martin Negroni, a former
psychologist, Ricky was affectionately known as Kiki to his family and friends.
Unfortunately, his parents divorced when he was just two years old.
However, they remained on good terms and prioritized
Ricky's well-being, raising him with love and
support that remained a constant in his life.
Ricky grew up alongside his four half-brothers
and one half-sister, forming strong bonds that enriched his upbringing.
His maternal family's deep artistic roots, including his
poet grandfather, inspired his creative spirit and passion for the arts.
Even at a young age, Ricky was drawn to the spotlight.
At just six years old, he was already
mimicking his favorite artists, turning ordinary household objects
like wooden spoons into makeshift microphones.
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His early performances, often covering songs from iconic
rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Journey, showcased
a young boy's natural gift for entertainment.
Though most parents might have considered a child's
dream of show business far-fetched, Ricky's father,
Enrique, saw something special in his son and
supported his aspirations wholeheartedly.
He helped Ricky get his first headshot and
even secured an agent for him, which propelled
his journey into the entertainment industry.
By the time he was nine years old,
Ricky was already making a name for himself in the advertising world.
He starred in commercials for major brands like
Orange Crush and Burger King, appearing in a total of 11 ads in just 18 months.
His infectious charm and natural on-screen presence
made him an instant favorite, setting the stage
for his eventual rise to stardom.
Ricky's aspirations stretched beyond television commercials.
He set his sights on joining Menudo, the wildly popular Puerto Rican boy band.
Menudo, known for its ever-changing lineup, recruited
young talent to keep its image fresh.
Though Ricky was initially rejected due to his
height, his persistence paid off.
At just 12 years old, he successfully auditioned
for the group, replacing Ricky Melendez.
From that moment on, he became the heart
of Menudo, winning over fans with his undeniable charisma.
The transition from a regular kid to an
international pop sensation was nothing short of dramatic.
Suddenly, Ricky was traveling the world, performing in
front of thousands of screaming fans and living
a life many could only dream of.
One day, I was riding my bike to go to school.
I used to live in a bubble.
My house was a block away from my school, a block away from church.
And all of a sudden, I hopped on a plane and I traveled to Brazil, and
I'm performing in front of 90,000 people.
Despite his young age, he quickly adapted to
the rigorous demands of life on the road,
learning the ins and outs of performing live in front of audiences.
The discipline he developed during his time with
Menudo would shape his work ethic for the rest of his career.
However, the pressures of being in a band
with such a demanding schedule took its toll on Ricky.
While he loved the experiences and opportunities that
Menudo provided, he later reflected that the lifestyle cost him his childhood.
Despite this, Ricky was grateful for the incredible
experiences and people he encountered during his time with the group.
I am very lucky that I was, because I was, I was part of a band like this.
I mean, it was, it was military.
They taught us how to, you know, how to perform, how to dance, how to behave
in front of the camera, behave on stage.
But more than anything, the military approach that
I see everything that I do now with
live, the discipline, how important it is to
be focused in everything you do when you're
working in the music business, it's something that helped me a lot.
During his tenure, Menudo released 11 albums, including
the Grammy-nominated Evolucion, which featured Ricky's debut
single, Rayo de Luna.
♪ Ella es como un cuento de hadas ♪
♪ Rayo de Luna, enamorada ♪
♪ Oh mi amor ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh mi amor ♪
♪ Todas las mañanas mi niña ♪
♪ Guarda mis besos bajo la almohada ♪
♪ Oh mi amor ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh mi amor ♪
The group also released their highest-charting album,
Menudo, which included the hit single, Hold Me.
This song became Menudo's first and only entry
on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart,
peaking at number 62 and cementing their place in pop history.
In 1989, at the age of 17, Ricky was forced to leave Menudo after nearly five
years with the band, as the group had
a policy of replacing members once they turned 18.
This constant turnover was part of the band's
strategy to maintain a fresh, youthful image, and
Ricky's departure marked the end of his time with Menudo.
The constant touring and pressure had taken its toll, and Ricky needed a break.
He returned to Puerto Rico to finish high
school and take some time to reflect on his career.
For a moment, he even considered stepping away
from the entertainment industry entirely.
But this was just the beginning of his journey.
After stepping away from the whirlwind of his
time with Menudo, Ricky Martin returned to Puerto
Rico for some much-needed respite from the
relentless pace of promotional tours and performances.
This break allowed him to regroup and focus
on his education, graduating high school before charting
the next steps of his journey.
Just 13 days after his 18th birthday, and
armed with financial independence for the first time
in his life, Martin moved to New York
City, ready to explore his newfound freedom.
During his time with Menudo, he had been
a minor and unable to access his earnings,
which made this milestone even more significant.
In 1990, Martin was accepted into New York
University's prestigious Tisch School of the Arts.
However, fate had other plans.
Before his classes began, a friend's invitation led him to Mexico City,
where he attended musical comedy play Mama Ama El Rock, translated
as Mom Loves Rock.
A twist of opportunity arose when he was offered a role in the production.
Martin made a bold decision to put his
academic aspirations on hold, move to Mexico City,
and immerse himself in the performing arts.
His time on stage in Mama Ama El Rock proved serendipitous.
A producer in the audience noticed his talent
and offered him a role in the Mexican telenovela Alcanzar Una Estrella.
Martin's charisma and acting chops shone brightly in
this new medium, and his performances caught the
attention of a Sony Discos executive, leading to
his first solo recording contract.
Unfortunately, in his eagerness, Martin signed the contract
without thoroughly reviewing its terms.
So typical, so normal, happens sadly so much of the time.
He signs his first record deal with that Sony talent scout.
And, you know, as so many young acts do and it happens, he signs the contract
probably so excited, not realizing he only gets
one cent per record that he sells.
Despite the financial drawbacks, he saw this as
the start of something monumental.
In 1991, three years after leaving Minuto, Martin
launched his self-titled debut solo album.
Though the project had a modest budget and
didn't immediately impress record executives, Martin was determined
to prove himself.
Now, this could have been his total, total
moment of like, oh my gosh, that's the end.
I'm just gonna go work at McDonald's or do something else.
But he perseveres with the music career.
The transition from performing for massive Minuto crowds
of 250,000 to smaller audiences of 1
,000 was humbling.
But he used the experience to build a loyal fan base from the ground up.
His persistence paid off when his second album,
Me Amaras, released in 1993, achieved global success,
selling over a million copies and earning triple
platinum certification in Chile.
With his third album, A Medio Vivir, Half a Life, Martin found his stride.
Released in 1995, the record included the breakout
hit Maria, which catapulted him to international fame.
♪ Un, dos, tres, un pasito pa’lante, María ♪
♪ Un, dos, tres, un pasito pa’trás ♪
♪ Aunque me muera ♪
♪ Un, dos, tres, un pasito pa’lante, María ♪
♪ María, te tengo que besar ♪ ♪ Un, dos, tres, un pasito pa’atrás ♪
♪ Ooh, loo, loo, le, le, le ♪
♪ Ay, loo, lay, loo, li ♪
♪ Ooh, loo, loo, le, le, le ♪
France, in particular, embraced the song,
sparking a wildfire of popularity across Europe.
By then, Martin had proven his critics wrong
and established himself as a force in the music world.
Riding the momentum, Martin explored acting further, relocating
to Los Angeles in 1994.
After a brief stint on the sitcom Getting By, he landed a role on the soap
opera General Hospital.
Though he faced challenges with accent discrimination, he
refused to conform, becoming a trailblazer for Latin
representation in American television.
By the late 1990s, Martin's relentless dedication culminated
in global recognition.
His electrifying Grammy performance of La Copa de
la Vida in 1999 set the stage for
his English-language debut and opened doors for
other Latin artists to break into mainstream markets.
Ricky Martin wasn't just an artist.
He became a cultural phenomenon and a symbol of Latin excellence worldwide.
The release of Ricky's English-language album in
May 1999, self-titled Ricky Martin, marked a
pivotal moment not just in his career but
also in the history of Latin music's global reach.
When Ricky Martin comes on the scene in
this turn of the millennium, the Latin music
place is completely separate in America from the mainstream pop charts.
With the explosive success of Livin' La Vida
Loca, the album catapulted to the top of
the Billboard charts and earned Martin a place on the cover of Time magazine.
Radio stations embraced the track immediately, fueling its
meteoric rise even before its full impact was realized.
♪ She’s got a new addiction ♪
♪ For every day and night ♪
♪ She’ll make you take your clothes off and go dancing in the rain ♪
♪ She’ll make you live her crazy life, but she’ll take away your pain ♪
♪ Like a bullet to your brain ♪
♪ Come on! ♪
♪ Upside, inside out ♪
♪ She’s livin’ la vida loca ♪
♪ She’ll push and pull you down ♪
♪ Livin’ la vida loca ♪
Ricky Martin changes that entire ecosystem by singing
some of his songs in English.
He's able to bring that flavor of Latin music into middle America.
As the anthem of a cultural movement, the
song became a worldwide phenomenon, setting the stage
for a wave of Latin artists to break into the American pop scene.
That really breaks down the door for a lot of other artists that come after it.
You see this whole wave of folks after
him, whether it's Jennifer Lopez, whether it's Inglesias,
all these people that come after him is because of Ricky Martin.
He literally changes the whole structure of the music industry in that way.
This period marked a golden age for Latin
representation in mainstream American media, with Martin as
its most prominent figure.
His album became the best-selling record by
a Latin artist in just three months, boasting
global sales of over 15 million copies.
But fame, as Martin would discover, comes with its challenges.
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What happens in the music industry, it used to happen a lot, is when one label
or company would take a gamble on a new kind of sound or a new artist,
and it would show large sales.
Then the other record companies would try to
sign as many bands or artists that sounded
like that, so they'd have their own version of that person.
And that exact same thing happens when Ricky Martin goes big.
You have Enrique Iglesias at Interscope, again, the
same sort of thing, trying to do the love ballads, trying to make him the sexy
provocateur, playing on that same sort of vibe,
and again, really stereotypes in a lot of ways.
Following the whirlwind success of his first English
album, Martin released a follow-up the very next year.
While the album was commercially successful, its rapid
release contributed to a sense of oversaturation.
As many artists, such as Iglesias, began rising
with a similar musical style, the market became
increasingly crowded with Latin pop influences.
Critics and fans began to question whether Martin
was merely a manufactured pop star, with some
pointing to his polished image and seemingly perfect
persona as reasons for the backlash.
The relentless scrutiny became personal, with the media
delving into his private life and fueling speculation
about his sexuality, a topic that Martin deftly avoided addressing for years.
Though his performances remained electrifying, he grew weary
of the demands of fame.
Touring and jet-setting with a massive entourage
may have seemed glamorous, but Martin described it as exhausting and isolating.
In early 2001, Ricky was feeling tired.
He had released six albums, and he had two Grammy wins under his belt, but his
newer work had not seen the highs of
his earlier stuff, and he was feeling burned
out and just needed to find the joy of life again.
So where does he decide to go?
India, of all places.
He just needed to disconnect from the fame
machine and get off the treadmill of celebrity.
Martin's time in India proved transformative, immersing himself
in the country's rich culture.
He found solace in meditation and a spiritual
connection to the people and their philosophies.
I went to India many years ago, and I was able to spend some time in
an ashram with a guru, and he gave me a lot of information that I still
use today, and freedom comes
from silence.
In silence, I've felt more spiritual than ever.
So he does the unexpected.
He grows a beard, he gets a backpack, and he literally goes just on this voyage
around India, just trying to connect with the
local communities, getting to know people not as
Ricky Martin, but just as a tourist, just
as someone really just on a journey of discovery.
During his travels, Martin encountered harsh realities that
profoundly impacted him.
Witnessing the plight of vulnerable children living on
the streets of India, he was moved to action.
During this, he really sees the problem with
the children and gets informed about sex trafficking
that's going on, and I think it really just changes his whole outlook on life.
Here's someone that'd been a celebrity and in
the fame machine since a very, very young
age, and he sees a completely different world
and a different reality that a lot of
people have to deal with and can't escape.
Partnering with local advocates, Martin helped rescue children
from exploitation and abuse, a moment that sparked
his passion for humanitarian work.
This experience led to the creation of the
Ricky Martin Foundation, an organization dedicated to fighting
child trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Through this foundation, Martin channeled his fame into
raising awareness and driving meaningful change.
Beyond his work with the Ricky Martin Foundation,
Ricky has also been a passionate advocate in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
The trip to India had a profound and long-lasting impact on Ricky Martin.
Not only did he start the Ricky Martin
Foundation, but he really, really started using his
fame, his celebrity, his money, and his time
to do charity work and bring more awareness
to things that he felt very passionate about.
One of the main areas, besides the sex
trafficking of children, is HIV and AIDS awareness.
Even though a lot of people still think,
oh, you know what, like there's drugs for it now, it still is a deadly disease,
and Martin has worked very tirelessly to bring
lots of awareness around it and still look for a cure.
He's worked extensively with organizations such as the
Global Fund, helping to raise money and awareness
for HIV prevention, treatment, and education.
Ricky's commitment to this cause reflects his dedication
to using his platform for social good, continually
striving to make a tangible impact on global
health issues and marginalized communities.
I've been working for the last seven years
with a very intense and horrible battle, but
it's also a battle of love, fighting against human trafficking.
And two years ago, I had the opportunity to go to Cambodia, and I met this
beautiful girl who, at the age of 13, was forced into the sex trade.
She was forced into prostitution, and at the age of 14, she was pregnant.
A son is always a blessing, but unfortunately,
she was infected with a virus.
And today, I speak on her behalf.
This award is for her.
Martin's philanthropic efforts also influenced his approach to music.
Instead of chasing another pop hit, he chose
a more introspective and raw direction, recording a
live album for MTV's Unplugged.
This performance silenced critics who had dismissed him
as a prefabricated star, showcasing his vocal prowess and artistic depth.
Stripped of the production gloss, Martin proved he
was more than just a charismatic performer.
He was a serious artist.
The success of Unplugged cemented Martin's legacy as
one of the greatest Latin entertainers of all time.
No longer bound by the relentless pace of
the pop music industry, Martin took his time
between projects, focusing on both his creative and humanitarian endeavors.
His journey from global stardom to spiritual growth
and advocacy has redefined his career, allowing him
to find balance and purpose in a life once dominated by the demands of fame.
Through it all, Ricky Martin remains a symbol
of resilience, reinvention, and the enduring power of music to inspire change.
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In the summer of 2008, Ricky Martin embarked
on one of the most transformative journeys of his life.
Fatherhood.
He proudly announced the birth of his twin
sons, Mateo and Valentino, born via surrogate.
It was clear that becoming a father was
another dream realized for the international superstar.
Ricky embraced the role with open arms, declaring
that fatherhood was not just his future, it was his purpose.
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Two years later, in March 2010, Ricky returned
to the public eye with a groundbreaking revelation.
For years, speculation about his personal life followed
him, but he had remained silent.
Finally, in a powerful announcement,
Ricky declared, "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man".
This moment of truth which Ricky credited to his
sons marked a turning point in his life.
He explained, The announcement came shortly after
journalist Barbara Walters publicly acknowledged that her pressure
during a 2000 interview, when she urged Ricky
to address rumors about his sexuality, was inappropriate.
You could say, as many artists have,
yes I am gay, or you could say no I'm not, or you could leave it as
you are ambiguous.
I don't want to put you in the spot,
- I understand perfectly. - But it's in your
- power to do it, and I'm bringing it up, - Thank you so much for giving me...
Ricky, because you know
- I know, I understand, and... - that this was being said...
- Thank you so much... - and you're even being named.
For giving me the opportunity to express
the rumors,
but Barbara, for some reason, I just don't feel like it.
Ricky later revealed that the experience left him
grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder.
This admission underscored the weight of the societal
expectations and personal struggles he had faced.
Despite these challenges, Ricky's newfound openness became a
source of empowerment.
In November 2010, he published his memoir, Me,
a heartfelt exploration of his journey from childhood
to fatherhood, fame, and coming out.
Dedicated to his sons, the book became a
New York Times bestseller, solidifying his role as
not just a pop icon, but also a relatable and inspiring figure.
That same day, he appeared on The Oprah
Winfrey Show for an emotional interview, where he
gushed about his sons and revealed his happiness in a new relationship.
You say in this book that, would you read the passages you say?
Do you know where it is?
The very beginning where you talk about
how you want your children to feel about, there you go.
Now I am complete.
Now I am ready to give myself exactly as I am to my public, to my
family, to my friends, and my lovers.
I want my children to be able to read this book one day and understand the
spiritual journey I had to experience to be
able to accept the joy of being their father.
I want to open my heart to them fully and absolutely so that in the future
they will never be afraid to do the same.
With his personal life on a stable foundation,
Ricky turned his focus back to his first love, music.
In February 2011, he released Musica Alma Sexo,
an album that soared to number one.
One on Billboard's Top Latin Albums number three on the Billboard Top 200.
It marked the highest-charting Latin album debut
in 15 years, proving that his star power was as strong as ever.
By March, he launched a world tour, reconnecting
with fans and celebrating his resilience.
The following year, he made a highly anticipated
return to the stage, starring as Che in the Broadway revival of Evita.
Ricky Martin made his Broadway debut in the
1990s as Marius in Les Miserables, showcasing his
talent beyond the pop music world.
It's amazing because I did Marius, who was a man that spoke for the people.
And I guess Che does the same thing, you know.
To speak on behalf of the people is
something that's followed me in my acting career and in Broadway.
It's just been fascinating.
I'm in another place mentally, physically, spiritually today.
And to be on stage surrounded by maestros.
It's been a very beautiful journey, very spiritual.
And I'm here to learn.
I'm here to grow.
And it's been a fascinating trip.
His performance in Evita was praised for its
charisma, intensity, and vocal strength, bringing new life to the iconic role.
Martin's return to musical theater highlighted his versatility
as a performer and reaffirmed his ability to
captivate audiences beyond the recording studio.
In 2013, Ricky Martin expanded his presence in
the music industry by joining The Voice Australia as a judge.
From 2013 to 2015, he mentored aspiring artists,
bringing his expertise and experience to the competition.
It is really exciting and cool to see how much he has done in his career.
Obviously, when he first started out, you could
not even go into a mainstream record store
and buy a record by Latino artists most of the time.
Now, we see in the last 10 years,
Ricky Martin being a judge of The Voice in Australia.
So here you have a Latino, a queer man out proud.
No one's blinking an eye.
He's on the same platform as people like Katy Perry, Tom Jones, Alicia Keys.
He's seen as being just as iconic, just
as influential, just as much of a tastemaker as all of those folks.
And it's really, really, I think, inspiring and fantastic.
Following his time as a coach on The
Voice, Ricky Martin released his album, A Quien
Quiera Escuchar, marking a pivotal moment in his musical journey.
The album, praised for its introspective lyrics and
dynamic mix of Latin pop and reggaeton, reflected
his artistic growth and personal experiences.
It embraced a much more modern sound with
reggaeton elements that resonated with contemporary audiences.
The album's success was highlighted by winning his
second Grammy Award for Best Latin Pop Album,
further solidifying his place as a major force in Latin music.
The success of A Quien Quiera Escuchar eventually
led to a Las Vegas residency where Ricky
Martin brought his energetic performances and magnetic stage
presence to a global audience.
His residency, titled Ricky Martin, All In, ran
from 2016 to 2018 at the Monte Carlo
Resort and Casino, where he performed 30 shows that grossed over $6 million.
The show was a celebration of his greatest
hits, blending Latin rhythms, dynamic choreography, and intimate
storytelling, offering fans a chance to experience Ricky
in an up-close and personal way.
In his personal life, Ricky found love with artist Jwan Yosef.
The couple's relationship blossomed after connecting online in
2015, with Ricky initially drawn to Jwan's artwork.
After months of talking and building a connection,
the two met in person and began dating.
Their romance became public at the 2016 Amphar
Inspiration Gala, where they made their red carpet debut as a couple.
In 2017, they secretly tie the knot with
Ricky confirming their marriage in early 2018.
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Together, Ricky and Jwan built a beautiful family,
welcoming daughter Lucia in 2018 and son Ren
in 2019, joining twins Mateo and Valentino.
The couple prioritized raising their children in a
multilingual environment, with Spanish, English, French, and Arabic
spoken at home.
Ricky proudly shared how their family represented modern
love and diversity, aiming to normalize and celebrate families like theirs.
As Ricky's passion for acting grew, he began
taking on more and more roles, eager to
explore different characters and genres.
In 2018, Ricky Martin took on one of his biggest acting roles of his career in
The Assassination of Gianni Versace.
In the Ryan Murphy-directed FX series, Martin
portrayed Antonio D'Amico, designer Gianni Versace's longtime
partner, acting alongside Penelope Cruz.
The series explored themes of homophobia and society's
response to it both 20 years ago and
in the present day, with Martin emphasizing how,
despite progress, many of the same struggles still persist.
Ricky Martin goes on from music to be in acting, and a lot of times this
is a painful transition for a lot of musicians.
They think, oh, I'm fabulous on stage in front of people.
I can have an acting career.
No, child, that usually does not work.
However, with Ricky Martin, fantastic.
I mean, for me, he really came on
full force when he plays Gianni Versace's lover.
He just captures the torment of being the
partner of someone famous and rich and what
it's like to be in the shadow, trying to find your own identity, being queer at
that time period when it's okay, but it's not.
And then, of course, the whole murder aspect
of it, it's just an absolute stunning performance.
His performance was widely praised, showcasing his depth
as an actor in a powerful and emotionally charged role.
Martin continued expanding his acting career with a
role in Palm Royale, a star-studded Apple TV Plus series.
Set in the glamorous world of 1960s high
society, the show follows an outsider's attempt to
break into an exclusive elite circle.
Martin starred alongside an incredible cast, further showcasing
his versatility as a performer in both drama and comedy.
For me to be able to be in front of the camera with Carol Burnett is
something amazing.
And then Kristen Wiig, obviously, and Allison Jenney,
come on, I can't stop dropping names.
Laura Dern and just people that I love and respect.
They are wonderful at what they do, their art of storytelling.
It is, it means the world to me.
It makes history every time they're in front
of the camera, and I'm very honored to be part of this.
His co-star spoke highly of him, praising
his warmth, professionalism, and generosity on set.
He was deeply appreciated not only for his
talent, but also for the genuine kindness and
respect he showed to everyone he worked with.
Working with Ricky was like on a daily
basis, you're like, this guy's a global pop star.
And he was the most humble.
He was the most open.
He was, I mean, this job was weird
because everyone almost tried to out professional each other.
Ricky Martin's acting career was flourishing with each
new role showcasing his versatility and dedication to the craft.
However, not all chapters in Ricky's life have been smooth.
In July, 2022, he faced serious allegations under
Puerto Rico's Law 54, also known as the
Domestic Abuse Prevention and Intervention Act.
The allegations reportedly brought forward by a family
member led to a restraining order being issued against him.
Ricky denied the accusations and the case took
a dramatic turn when the accuser later withdrew the complaint.
These claims were proven to be false, but I'm willing to tell you the truth.
It has been so painful.
It has been devastating for me, for my family, for my friends.
I don't wish this on anybody.
Subsequently, the restraining order was dismissed by a judge.
In response, Ricky filed a $20 million lawsuit against the individual.
In July, 2023, Ricky and Juan announced their
decision to divorce after six years of marriage.
Their joint statement emphasized love, respect, and a
shared commitment to co-parenting their children.
Ricky revealed that it was a decision long
in the making, rooted in mutual understanding
and a desire for personal growth.
By August, the couple finalized their divorce, maintaining
a focus on creating a harmonious family environment.
(upbeat music)
Ricky Martin's life is a testament to resilience,
authenticity, and love.
From his groundbreaking music career to his heartfelt
role as a father and advocate for LGBTQ
plus rights, he continues to inspire millions with
his unwavering commitment to living life on his terms.
(relaxing music)
Ricky Martin's journey is one of resilience, reinvention,
and relentless passion.
From his early days as a child performer
in Puerto Rico to the global superstardom that
followed, he has continuously pushed boundaries and redefined
what it means to be an artist.
His music not only entertained, but also opened
doors for an entire generation of Latin artists,
paving the way for greater cultural representation in
the mainstream music industry.
Ricky Martin is really the main one.
No one has the same impact, nobody has the same influence, and no one has the
same longevity as the original, which is Ricky Martin.
Beyond the stage and the spotlight, Ricky's impact
extends into activism and philanthropy.
His work with the Ricky Martin Foundation has
brought awareness to critical human rights issues, proving
that his influence goes far beyond music.
As an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ plus rights,
he has used his platform to inspire others
to live their truth, making a lasting difference in the lives of many.
Beyond his career, Ricky Martin finds his greatest joy in fatherhood.
His love for his children, Mateo, Valentino, Lucia,
and Ren, gives him purpose, balancing global success with family life.
With the same passion he brings to his
work, he embraces the joys and challenges of
parenting, making family the heart of his legacy.
Even after decades in the industry, Ricky Martin
remains a force to be reckoned with.
His ability to evolve, both artistically and personally,
has allowed him to remain relevant and admired across generations.
Whether through his music, acting, or humanitarian efforts,
he continues to leave an indelible mark on the world.
As he moves forward into new chapters of
his life, one thing is certain, Ricky Martin's legacy is far from over.
(upbeat music)