Ricky Martin, a headturner of millions and zillions of gals and guys is himself long term friends with his former General Hospital co-star, Lilly Melgar, as well as he has an on and off girlfriend of 10 years, Rebecca de Alba, a Mexican TV personality.

The singer has a special corner for Puerto Rico, where he has his roots. He even turned down a chance to star opposite Jennifer Lopez in a film remake of West Side Story, on the grounds that the movie helps perpetuate Puerto Rican stereotypes; 'the consummate professional and painstaking artist'.

Ricky's solo song, "La Copa de la Vida," was chosen as the official song of the World Cup France '98 and also it has been the chart topper in lot more than 30 countries. That was the same night, when Ricky's Latin number Vuelve won the Grammy for Best Latin Pop Performance.