Ricky Martin rocketed to global fame in 1999 with his breakout hit 'Livin' La Vida Loca'. And while fans know him best for his signature dark hair and clean-shaven look, the 'She Bangs' singer looks virtually unrecognizable nearly 27 years after taking the music world by storm.
The 54-year-old singer, who released his new EP, ReVivo, earlier this month, has traded his dark locks for a fresh, honey-blonde buzz cut and a matching beard.
© Gamma-Rapho via Getty ImagesFans were quick to compliment Ricky's new look on social media following his recent appearance at the Venice Film Festival. One person wrote: "He looks great," while another compared him to Hollywood actor Brad Pitt, adding: "Wow at first glancing at his new style for a moment I thought he was Brad Pitt."
Ricky's music career
Ricky's music career began back in 1977 when, at 12 years old, he auditioned for and subsequently joined the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo.
The group released 11 albums, including their Grammy-nominated Evolución.
© Variety via Getty ImagesAfter leaving the boy band to pursue a solo career, Ricky released his debut album, Ricky Martin, which climbed to number five on the US Billboard Latin Pop Album charts and sold over 500,000 copies worldwide.
He simultaneously carved out a successful acting career, starring in several telenovelas and the American medical drama, General Hospital.
© Getty ImagesRicky's breakthrough came in 1999 with the release of his hit single, 'Livin La Vida Loca'. Within three months, it became the best-selling album ever by a Latin artist, selling millions of copies worldwide.
Ricky's latest album, ReVivo, reimagines some of his biggest hits with a new generation of Latin music stars, including Argentine pop star TINI and Brazilian singer Luan Santana.
Ricky's relationships and children
In August 2008, Ricky became a dad to twin boys – Matteo and Valentino – via surrogacy. Two years later, he came out as gay through a statement on his website.
Ricky said: "I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am." When he opened up about becoming a father as a gay man, he told Out magazine: "Many years I dreamt of being a father, and many, many, many times I went through this grieving process of 'I am gay, I am a closeted gay man, and I'm not going to be able to be a daddy.'"
© WireImageAs for his love life, Ricky dated Carlos González Abella for four years until 2014.
He began dating Syrian-Swedish painter Jwan Yosef in 2016. The pair tied the knot in 2018, the same year they welcomed their daughter Lucia.
© Getty ImagesNine months later, Ricky's fourth child, Renn, was born via surrogacy.
Jwan and Ricky divorced in 2023 after six years of marriage.
