1983–1990: Menudo Ricky Martin

after achieving modest fame in puerto rico work in television commercials, martin auditioned membership in puerto rican boy band menudo. although executives enjoyed dancing , singing @ first 2 auditions, martin rejected because short. third audition, persistence impressed executives, , in 1984, 12-year-old martin became member. month after joining menudo, made debut performance group @ luis a. ferré performing arts center in san juan. during performance, inadvertently disobeyed choreography walking around stage, when planned stay still, , chastised band manager after show: mistake such big deal moment on, never again did move when wasn t supposed move...that discipline of menudo: either did things way told or not part of group. song asignatura pendiente almas del silencio (2003) inspired first time martin left puerto rico tour menudo.

although martin enjoyed traveling , performing onstage menudo, found band s busy schedule , strict management exhausting, , later reflected experience cost him childhood. considered leaving group while on tour in brazil, decided stay out of fear of media backlash , being sued breach of contract. martin began struggling sexuality, noting stark contrast between status sex symbol , own emotions. despite this, martin acknowledged opportunity have many amazing experiences many amazing people during time group.

he developed interest in philanthropy when group became unicef ambassadors, working impoverished children in third world countries. experiences ambassador affected him , inspired him continue working charities later in life.

by 1987, menudo s record sales began decline, , group changed image, adopting edgier , performing more rock-influenced songs. band released album somos los hijos del rock in spanish, , appeal menudo s filipino fanbase, group released in action, recording songs in both english , tagalog.

after recording 11 albums group, martin left menudo in july 1989, @ age 17, hoping rest , evaluate career path. performed final show group @ same venue d performed first performance member. martin returned puerto rico graduate high school, , 13 days after turning 18, moved new york city celebrate financial independence; since minor during time member of menudo, martin not allowed access own bank accounts. accepted new york university s tisch school of arts, months before classes began, martin dropped out , moved mexico city perform in play mama ama el rock (mom loves rock).