Ricky Martin bio, kids, age, height, partner, awards, career path 2025

Ricky Martin's Biography

Ricky Martin is a pop singer from Puerto Rico, one of the artists who brought Latin American music to the global mainstream. His hits "Livin' La Vida Loca" and "The Cup of Life" continue to resonate on dance floors years after their release.

Fans love not just his music but also his commitment to social causes. He's openly gay, vegetarian, philanthropist, and a vocal advocate against discrimination and racial prejudice. His charity foundation actively fights against human trafficking worldwide.

Childhood and Career Beginnings

Enrique Martin Morales was born to psychologist Enrique Martin Negroni and accountant Nereida Morales. His parents divorced when he was two years old. Both his parents found new love, giving Ricky a large extended family that included brothers Daniel, Eric, Fernando, and Ángel, and sister Vanessa.

Raised in a deeply religious environment, Ricky served as an altar boy and attended Sunday school. Despite their strict Catholic upbringing, his parents encouraged his vocal talent. From a young age, he would dance in front of the mirror with a comb as a microphone. At nine, his father took him to an advertising audition, leading to several years of appearing in commercials for toothpaste, lemonade, and hamburgers.

As a musically talented teenager, Ricky auditioned multiple times for the boy band Menudo to replace Ricky Melendez. Initially rejected because he was too short, his persistence paid off on the third try when producers, impressed by his determination, welcomed him into the group. Ricky, then still known as Enrique, performed with Menudo from 1984 to 1989. He contributed to 11 albums including "Evolución," "Menudo," "Explosion," "Ayer Y Hoy," "A Festa Vai Começar," "Viva! Bravo!," and "Refrescante." In July 1989, at the age of 17, he left the group to pursue a solo career.

Ricky Martin in Menudo

Leaving Menudo wasn't an easy decision for him. He owed much to the band, having recorded 11 albums and learned almost everything about show business with them. However, the restrictive contract, constant oversight by managers, and limited opportunities to express his true self led to the end of their collaboration. After leaving Menudo, he returned to Puerto Rico, finished school, and celebrated his 18th birthday. Upon becoming an adult, he opened his own bank account and moved to New York to embrace new opportunities.

Solo Career

After graduation, the young artist planned to study at the New York School of Arts. But life had other plans - before he could start his studies, Ricky was invited to join the Mexican musical Mama Ama el Rock ("Mama Loves Rock"). A Mexican television producer spotted him on stage and cast him in the soap opera "Alcanzar una estrella" ("Reach for a Star").

Ricky Martin - Juego De Ajedrez (1991)

In 1990, Ricky Martin signed a contract with Sony Discos, and his first album, simply titled "Ricky Martin," was soon released. Unfortunately, the young singer hadn't read the contract carefully - it only paid Ricky one cent per album sold.

In his youth, Ricky Martin had long hair

Ricky Martin's debut album, featuring a charming long-haired young man on the cover, sold 500,000 copies. The singer only received $5,000, but this modest paycheck didn't dampen his enthusiasm. The album's first single "Fuego Contra Fuego" was certified gold in Argentina, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. When Ricky toured South America, he was met with ovations everywhere. "I felt at home," the singer later described his first solo tour.

Ricky Martin's reaction to his baby photo

In 1993, Ricky Martin released another album, "Me Amaras" ("You Will Love Me"), which was warmly received but didn't break through. He also starred in two seasons of the sitcom "Getting By" and landed a role as a singing bartender in the soap opera "General Hospital," later recognized as one of the longest-running series in TV history. During this time, Ricky Martin had his first intimate experience with a man, but he kept his orientation private for the next 15 years.

Ricky Martin, Muñecos de Papel, Festival de Viña 1994

Breakthrough

In 1995, Ricky Martin's album "A Medio Vivir" completely transformed how the English-speaking world saw Latin American music. Nearly half of the three million copies sold were purchased in Europe, where the title song of the album - "Maria" - was particularly beloved. The song launched Ricky Martin's international career. In France alone, 1.4 million copies of the single were bought.

Ricky Martin – Maria

After his music breakthrough, Ricky Martin made his mark as an actor. He landed a role in the Broadway production of "Les Misérables" after publicly sharing his Broadway dreams. He scored the lead role of Marius in the production.

Ricky Martin in the musical 'Les Misérables'

After an 11-week run, Ricky headed back to the studio to record his fourth album, "Vuelve." 8 million copies of the album were sold worldwide. But Ricky didn't see the album or his Broadway role as his biggest accomplishment from that era. What he treasured most was his 1998 World Cup performance in France, where he debuted "La Copa de la Vida" ("The Cup of Life") - a song he wrote specifically for the tournament that became its unofficial anthem.

Ricky Martin – Cup of Life (1998 FIFA World Cup)

Career Peak

Following his electrifying 1998 World Cup performance, Ricky knew it was time to conquer English-speaking audiences. So, in 1999, his first album "Ricky Martin" was re-released in English, featuring new hits. The album flew off shelves with 22 million copies sold worldwide and boasted collaborations with Madonna and Meja, the infectious "Private Emotion" featuring Turkish sensation Sertab Erener, and of course, "Livin' La Vida Loca" – the track that would define Ricky Martin for years to come. This song is widely credited with sparking an international boom in Latin music and paving the way for Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, Shakira, and Thalia on the global stage.

Ricky Martin - Livin' La Vida Loca

His sophomore English effort dropped in late 2000. "Sound Loaded" landed at number three on the U.S. charts but couldn't quite reach the top spot. Singles from the album included "She Bangs," "Nobody Wants To Be Lonely" (a duet with Christina Aguilera), and "Loaded."

Ricky Martin abstains from meat and practices yoga

Early 2001 saw the release of Spanish compilation "La Historia," which dominated Latin charts, followed by the English collection "The Best Of Ricky Martin" – a remix-heavy showcase of his biggest hits.

Ricky Martin 2000 She Bangs interview

In 2003, he released another Spanish album titled "Almas Del Silencio" ("The Strength of Silence"). Ricky described wanting to reconnect with his emotionally-charged, adrenaline-fueled younger self through this record.

Ricky Martin uncut Interview Helsinki / Finland (2003)

Two years later came an English album with the deceptively simple yet meaningful title "Life." According to Ricky, this album finally let him tap into his deepest emotions. "This record is as multifaceted as our lives. It's about the anger we feel, the joy we experience. It includes uncertainty and love - all the emotions that are inherent to people."

Unfortunately, the album got a lukewarm reception, moving just 700,000 copies worldwide. Maybe the Latin music wave had crested, or perhaps newer, shinier stars were stealing the spotlight in the Spanish-speaking world. Either way, Ricky stepped back from recording, focusing his energy on other pursuits.

Ricky Martin's concerts are full of energy and extravagance

Ricky Martin's next album was released six years later. The record "Musica + Alma + Sexo" ("Music + Soul + Sex") was recorded from Miami to Golden Beach, Florida. During his hiatus, Ricky stockpiled over 60 songs, carefully curating the cream of the crop to wow fans who'd nearly given up hope of hearing new material from their idol.

Another single from the artist, "Vente Pa' Ca" ("Come Here"), was released back in 2016. The music video amassed 150 million views in less than two months.

Ricky Martin - Vente Pa' Ca (2016)

Ricky Martin's Personal Life

Ricky Martin was twice included in People's list of the most beautiful people in the world, in 2000 and 2006.

Ricky Martin in People: in his youth and now

Throughout the early 1990s, Ricky Martin was publicly linked to Mexican TV host Rebecca de Alba. Their on-and-off romance captured headlines for years. Even five years after their final split in 2005, she tearfully admitted that their relationship was the best thing that ever happened to her.

Ricky Martin and Rebecca de Alba started dating when they were 18

In 1999, speculation about Ricky Martin's personal life reached fever pitch after he dodged questions about his sexuality in a Mirror interview. "I'm not commenting on whether I'm gay or not. It's nobody's business who I'm sleeping with: a woman, a cow, or even a broom."

Ricky and Rebecca still communicate as good friends

In 2008, Ricky Martin became a proud father to twin boys, Matteo and Valentino, born via surrogate.

Ricky Martin's kids are absolutely adorable

From day one, the twins showed completely opposite personalities. Ricky describes Valentino as a natural observer who loves peace, nature, and all living things. Matteo is a born leader who loves being in charge, constantly telling his brother what to do and what not to do.

Valentino (left) and Matteo (right) have different characters

In 2010, Ricky Martin came out as gay. "I'm proud to say that I'm gay, and I'm incredibly happy to be who I am," he wrote on his official website. He later revealed his desire to marry boyfriend Carlos Gonzalez Abella, a stockbroker whose sharp suits and ties Ricky found irresistible. The couple split in 2014.

Ricky Martin Opens Up

In 2016, Ricky Martin began dating Syrian artist Jwan Yosef. The singer first fell for Jwan's artwork and started collecting it, then met the artist himself and proposed that November.

Ricky got down on one knee and popped the question with the simple words, "Will you marry me?" Jwan said yes, and they tied the knot on January 11, 2018. Later that year, their daughter Lucia Martin-Yosef was born via a surrogate mother.

Inside Ricky Martin's Serene Los Angeles Home

In 2019, Ricky Martin had another reason to celebrate – he welcomed another son. He revealed his son's face to fans in April 2020. He's also said he doesn't plan to stop at four kids, dreaming of having eight children total.

In July 2023, Ricky Martin announced his divorce from Jwan, though he didn't share details about what led to the end of their six-year marriage.

Charity and Political Views

In 2002, Martin visited India, where he was shocked to discover the reality of human trafficking. He personally rescued three girls from being sold into slavery, and after returning to the United States, he founded the "Ricky Martin Foundation." The organization focuses on raising international awareness of human trafficking and helping victims of traffickers.

Ricky Martin helps children from socially dangerous regions

In 2001, Ricky Martin was invited to George Bush's inauguration, as the musician initially supported the Republican. During his performance, Martin invited the newly sworn-in president to dance with him – a moment that made history. In his song "Asignatura Pendiente" ("Unfinished Business"), there is a line: "I have a photo with Bush". The photo was mentioned as a symbol of luxury along with an army of servants and a luxury hotel suite. However, Martin's attitude toward Bush changed over time – since then, when performing this line at concerts, he would show his middle finger, a gesture that invariably received applause from the audience.

In 2010, Ricky Martin criticized a discriminatory law that allowed police to demand documents from people who looked like immigrants. The musician later supported Barack Obama's re-election to a second presidential term and warmly welcomed the legalization of same-sex marriage. In the 2016 presidential elections, he passionately supported Hillary Clinton.

Ricky Martin Now

With Ricky Martin so focused on his family and domestic responsibilities, he's had less time for his artistic work. However, in 2020, he planned to release a new solo album "Movimiento" and tour in support of it. Unfortunately, most concerts had to be canceled because the tour began in February 2020, just as the COVID-19 pandemic started. The album was released in two parts: "Pausa" and "Play," two years apart.

Ricky Martin, Christian Nodal - Fuego de Noche, Nieve de Día

Unable to perform and travel, Martin says he went crazy and wanted to create something useful for society. So he created Martin Music Lab to introduce Orbital Audio immersive music listening technology, which was used to release his new albums. Ricky emphasizes that the technology works with any level of equipment, whether headphones cost $5, $100, or $1,000.

Ricky Martin: latest news and articles

I don`t want anyone to go through this: Ricky Martin made a statement for the first time after the trial

30 Oct 2024

Photos: Ricky Martin