By: Valerie Milano
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/9/2024 – He may be approaching his 53rd birthday in December, but clearly, Ricky Martin is still “Livin’ La Vida Loca” in June!
Martin — the first openly gay Latin artist to take center stage at L.A. Pride, marking his first-ever performance at a Pride – performed deep into the LA evening at the Los Angeles State Historic Park. Backed by a band of colorfully clad male and female dancers, Martin powered through a collection of Latin tunes, which he performed in his native Spanish.
That is until he got to the night’s closing tune, his 1999 chart-topper, “Livin’ La Vida Loca.” The remaining crowd – the late hour saw many Pride-goers retreat – was living that wildlife Martin was singing about 25 years ago.
In 1984, at the age of 13, Martin auditioned for and won a spot in the Golden Age lineup of Puerto Rican boy band Menudo, an association that he maintained until 1989. After a much-needed rest and a career-path evaluation, that saw him branch out into acting, Martin’s musical career reignited in the mid-1990s. With that resurgence he rightfully assumed his place among Latin singing royalty, as well as a worldwide LGBTQ+ icon.
His performance Saturday night was as high-energy as his fans have come to expect from a man who is known as, “arguably Puerto Rico’s most famous son.”
Also performing on Saturday were artists Muna, Tokischa and JoJo Siwa.
Colorful PRIDE fans were being handed out by NYX Cosmetics. A new feature rolled out for this year’s Pride was a lounge area specifically for people who identify as transgender, nonbinary and their allies. Another dedicated space known as “Erotic City,” was open to anyone in the 18 and older and a dedicated sober space.
According to event organizers, this year’s theme for L.A. Pride – “Power in Pride” – honors the LGBTQ+ community for “living authentically through strength and resilience.”
L.A.’s pro sports teams were visible all day, including the Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams, as well as the Angel City Football Club and the Los Angeles Football Club. KABC-TV was handing out sunglasses, and many booths around the park were handing out makeup samples, fans and other Pride-themed merch. There was even a kissing booth.
