Ricky Martin

• Genre: Pop
• Hometown: Miami
• Ricky Martin Website

About

When Ricky Martin crossed over to English language audiences in 1999, he seemed to come out of nowhere. But this former member of Menudo had been a Latin Pop star for most of the 1990s. The charismatic Martin is a throwback to a time when musicians were also entertainers. He can sing up a storm, dance, and smile, all at the same time -- a refreshing change of pace in an era when most modern pop and hip-hop stars have little to offer but seriousness. Martin may not have the substance of Marc Anthony, but he is one of the hardest-working people in show business, seemingly able to work in any musical style -- neo Salsa, romantic ballads and Jangle Pop, to name a few.

- Nick Dedina