Enrique Martín Morales, known worldwide as Ricky Martin, is one of the most influential Latin pop artists of all time. Born on December 24, 1971, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Martin has built a career defined by versatility, global impact, and cultural significance. His music blends Latin pop, dance, reggaeton, salsa, and other genres, helping push Latin music into the global mainstream.
Martin began his entertainment career at a young age, appearing in television commercials by age nine. At twelve, he joined the iconic Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, where he quickly became a fan favorite. During his time with the group, Menudo released 11 albums and achieved international success, including the hit single “Hold Me,” which charted on the US Billboard Hot 100. While the intense schedule cost him much of his childhood, Martin has often acknowledged that the experience shaped his discipline and stage presence.
After leaving Menudo in 1989, Martin pursued acting and music as a solo artist. He moved to Mexico City in the early 1990s, starring in successful telenovelas such as Alcanzar una estrella II, which earned him an El Heraldo Award. His acting success led to a solo recording contract with Sony Music Mexico.
Martin released his debut solo album, Ricky Martin (1991), followed by Me Amarás (1993), both of which gained strong recognition across Latin America. His breakthrough came with A Medio Vivir (1995), which elevated his popularity in Europe. The single “María” became his first major international hit, blending multiple Latin styles into a sound that crossed borders.
Global superstardom arrived with Vuelve (1998), an album that earned Martin his first Grammy Award and featured the iconic anthem “La Copa de la Vida.” He performed the song at the 41st Grammy Awards, cementing his crossover appeal. His self-titled English-language album Ricky Martin (1999) debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, led by “Livin’ la Vida Loca,” which topped charts in both the US and the UK. This era is widely credited with igniting the late-1990s “Latin explosion” in pop music.
Over the years, Martin has continued releasing successful albums, including Almas del Silencio (2003), MTV Unplugged (2006), and the Grammy-winning A Quien Quiera Escuchar (2015). His later hits include “She Bangs,” “Tu Recuerdo,” “La Mordidita,” and “Vente Pa’ Ca.”
Beyond music, Martin has maintained a strong acting career, appearing on General Hospital, starring in Broadway’s Evita as Ché, and earning an Emmy nomination for his role as Antonio D’Amico in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.
With over 70 million records sold worldwide, Ricky Martin is among the best-selling Latin artists in history. His accolades include multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards, Billboard honors, MTV Video Music Awards, a Guinness World Record, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Equally significant is his activism. In 2004, Martin founded The Ricky Martin Foundation, focusing on combating human trafficking and advocating for children’s rights and LGBTQ+ equality.
Now, with Bad Bunny headlining a major halftime show alongside Cardi B and Lady Gaga, Ricky Martin’s inclusion signals a powerful celebration of Latin music’s past, present, and future—uniting generations of global superstars on one stage.