Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin
a.k.a. Enrique Martin Morales

MUY CALIENTE!

Ricky Martin Talks About Sex, Menudo, Rock 'n' Roll -- and Crossing Over
Since his earthshaking performance at the 1999 Grammy Awards, Puerto Rico's Ricky Martin has emerged as the hottest Latin phenomenon to hit the States since gringos embraced the macarena. A former member of the frequently maligned '80s teen-pop outfit Menudo, Martin is already an established superstar in Latin America, Australia, and much of Europe and Asia. Now, after the May release of his first English-language album, RICKY MARTIN -- featuring songs written and produced by Desmond Child (Cher, Aerosmith) and Emilio Estefan (Gloria's hubby) -- the 27-year-old is realizing long-cherished crossover dreams. The album's first single, the boisterous "Livin' la Vida Loca," is already a smash radio hit and MTV staple; its probable follow-up, a duet with Madonna, seems likely to follow suit. In a recent conversation with barnesandnoble.com's Elysa Gardner, Martin discussed la vida at the top.

barnesandnoble.com: Well, Ricky, it seems to be your time, as we say in the business. Why now?

Ricky Martin: The album that I won a Grammy for this year [VUELVE] did really well in Europe and Asia. I guess we're doing in America what had to be done. It was the next project, the next step. I've been working on this English album for two years -- I've sung in French, Italian, and Portuguese; so I figured, why not do it in English? It's all about communication. But I will never stop singing in Spanish.

bn: There's been a lot of talk lately about the explosion of Latin music. But most Latin artists who win fame in the United States incorporate pop, rock, and R&B into their music -- sounds that are already familiar to Americans. Your album is no exception.

RM: In Latin America, we're all very influenced by Europe and the United States. Growing up in Puerto Rico, I listened to rock. Then my mom took me and my brothers to a Celia Cruz concert, and to a Tito Puente concert, and that's when I started getting closer to Latin sounds. You're gonna hear that percussion, which is part of my background and my blood, on my album. But you're also gonna hear that rock guitar.

bn: What did you learn during your time with Menudo? And after leaving the group, was it difficult to establish yourself as a solo artist -- and an adult?

RM: Being on the road ten months a year with Menudo gave me the opportunity to become disciplined and independent. It was a great way to start my career, but I knew from the beginning that it wouldn't last forever. When I left, I disappeared from the spotlight for a while; I stayed in Puerto Rico and graduated high school. Then I moved to New York City for a year or so, and I came back with another, more mature image.

bn: A big part of your mature image is your sex appeal. Are you flattered by that?

RM: I would rather people respect me for my sounds...but Gloria [Estefan] told me I should take advantage of my [sexuality], not be ashamed of it.

bn: You certainly don't look ashamed in the pictures I've seen.

RM: Mmm... Am I showing any skin? [laughs]

bn: Speaking of sex, how's your relationship with Rebecca de Alba? Is she still your girlfriend?

RM: Well, she's in Spain at the moment, so we're not together-together-together, but we have an amazing communication.

bn: So is she still your girlfriend?

RM: Uhh, a little. Yeah.

bn: One last question. You have a duet with Madonna on your album. What singer would you most like to collaborate with in the future?

RM: I would love to work with Maxwell. Eventually, I know that life will get us together -- even if it's just to shake hands.