Ricky Martin to Develop, Star in Network TV Series

Universal Television has signed a talent holding deal with multi-platinum recording artist Ricky Martin to develop and star in his first network television series and specials, it was announced today by Bela Bajaria, Executive Vice President, Universal Television.

"Ricky is an iconic superstar who is as talented as he is popular," said Bajaria. "Whether he's performing before sold-out concert crowds, or starring on Broadway, where he is currently playing to SRO in 'Evita,' Ricky connects with his audience in a very palpable way - and we are thrilled that he will be adding TV star to his incredible resume."

Both a GRAMMY and Multiple LATIN GRAMMY winner, Ricky Martin is the leading Latin Music figure of his generation - beloved by fans worldwide for his instinctive understanding of rhythm, passion for performing, and equal compassion for giving.

Already accustomed to the spotlight from the five years he spent in Menudo, Ricky Martin set-off on his own musical path with the 1991 release of his self-titled debut solo album. With his first two albums quickly establishing Martin as a star throughout the Spanish-speaking world, it did not take long before magnetic acting appearances in General Hospital and a Broadway run in Les Miserables also attracted new fans. With the continuously escalating success of landmark singles such as "Maria" and his globally embraced 1998 World Cup Anthem "La Copa de la Vida" ("The Cup of Life"), Martin vaulted to the level of bona fide international superstar.

In a definitive example of stealing the show, Ricky Martin burst into the consciousness of American music fans with a historic performance of "The Cup of Life" at the 41st Annual GRAMMY Awards on the evening of February 24, 1999. The New York Times said the famed GRAMMY moment "put a match to the tinder of the pop-music world" and instantly established Martin as "the symbol of Latin culture's new mainstream status in the United States."

Declared "an international pop icon and Latin Music's Global Ambassador" by Billboard and recognized by the Latin Recording Academy as it's youngest-ever "Person of the Year" honoree, Ricky Martin has now sold over 60 million albums and continues to perform to sold-out stadium and arena audiences throughout the world. Martin has been the recipient of dozens of prestigious international awards saluting both his career achievements and far-reaching philanthropic efforts.

As essential a part of his persona as his love of music, Martin is an equally dedicated global advocate for tolerance and the well-being of children. Martin's extensive charitable work is spearheaded through the programs of the Ricky Martin Foundation - which advocates for the well-being of children around the globe in critical areas such as social justice, education and health.

After taking two and a half years off from the music industry in order to devote time to raising his twin sons, Ricky Martin returned to the artistic spotlight with an even deeper understanding of his personal and musical journey. This new chapter in Martin's storied career began with his debut on the New York Times Bestseller list with the Fall 2010 release of his highly praised autobiography "ME," and continued in the spring of 2011 with his critically-praised twelfth album "Musica+Alma+Sexo" - which achieved the highest chart debut for a principally Spanish language album in over 15 years.

In 2012, Ricky Martin is now fusing his love of musical performance with an expansion of his capability as an actor. His year began with a highly acclaimed guest appearance as Spanish teacher David Martinez on the hit television series GLEE. Now, Martin is in the midst of his long-awaited return to Broadway, where he is appearing throughout the year as "the voice of the people" in his role as Che in the hit Broadway revival of EVITA. Martin previously starred on Broadway as Marius in Les Misérables in 1996.