Ricky Martin

Enlivened the telecast of the Grammy Awards with live performance of "La Copa de la Vida", the official theme song of World Cup France '98; won Grammy in the Latin/Pop category

Headlined own CBS variety special, "Ricky Martin: One Night Only"

Signed deal with PepsiCo for sponsorship of his 1999-2000 North American tour; set to appear in commercials for the beverage

Broadway musical debut in role of Marius in "Les Miserables"

Had regular role as Miguel Morez on the ABC daytime drama "General Hospital"

Acted in spin-off movie version of telenovela reprising his role as the singer Pablo

Moved to L.A.

US TV debut in two episodes of the NBC sitcom "Getting By"

Portrayed a musician-singer in the Spanish-language telenovela "Alcanzar una Estrella II/To Reach a Star"

Left Menudo to pursue solo acting and singing career

Legally changed first name from Enrique to Ricky

Joined the popular teen singing group Menudo

Began acting career at age six, appearing in television commercials

Born and raised in Puerto Rico

Moved to Mexico to appear in a stage production of "Mama Ama El Rock/Mom Loves Rock & Roll"

Returned to Puerto Rico to finish high school

Served as spokesperson for Puerto Rican tourism in TV commercial campaign

Spent six months in NYC looking for work