Musical Notes — RICKY

Voiceover by Lawrence Standifer Stevens / Written by Joseph E. Casanova

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With a platinum CD, a sold-out international tour and the launch of a musical reality series, superstar Ricky Martin is still “Livin’ la Vida Loca.”

Martin brings his One World Tour to Texas this fall with stops in Laredo, Hidalgo and San Antonio in support of his latest CD, A Quien Quiera Escuchar. (To Anyone Who Will Listen).

His latest collection features the chart-topping Adios (“Goodbye”) and La Mordidita (“The Nibble”).    

The former Menudo member has signed on with ex- American Idol judge Simon Cowell to co-produce La Banda (The Band) for Univision to find the next five-member musical group.

Along with Euro pop stars Laura Pausini and Alejandro Sanz, Martin will also serve as judge for the vocal competition. 

It was 1999 when the Puerto Rican native stunned the world with his rousing Grammy performance of “La Copa de la Vida” (“The Cup of Life”}, sparking the Latin pop explosion.

He won for Best Latin Pop Album for Vuelve (Come Back), which also included the title song and “La Bomba” (“The Bomb”).

Martin joined fellow crossover artists Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias at the top of the pop and Latin charts all within weeks of each other.

The James Bond inspired “Livin’ la Vida Loca” hit first, followed by the ballad “She’s All I Ever Had” and the irresistible “Shake Your Bon Bon.”

Ricky-mania spread all over the globe starting with a massive publicity tour and then concerts scheduled for everywhere.

San Antonio was no different as the hysteria slammed the Alamo City like a tornado. His performance at the Alamodome sold out in a matter of days.

He entered the stage atop a shiny, navy blue Mustang with his backup dancers behind him. The energy was electric. I don’t think we sat down the entire time.

Ricky Martin’s “cup of life” definitely runneth over. I think I’ll have what he’s having.