NEW YORK (MTV Latin America) - MTV Latin
America announced that Sony/BMG superstar Ricky
Martin will tape the next edition of its MTV Unplugged franchise, which will be produced by MTV Latin
America in collaboration with MTV Tr3s. This marks the 19th MTV Unplugged show for MTV Latin America, and the first production for MTV's recently announced MTV Tr3s for the U.S. Latin market. MTV Unplugged: Ricky
Martin will tape in Miami in August 2006 and it will debut on MTV Latin America, MTV Tr3s and MTV Puerto Rico in November 2006.
The special will be made available to air on more than 100 MTV channels around the world, as well as select broadcast networks. The show will also be released on CD and DVD and will be distributed worldwide in November 2006 by Sony BMG. In addition, the production will include new media components to be announced shortly.
MTV Unplugged: Ricky Martin will provide an acoustic platform for Martin to rediscover his music and perform both new songs and bonafide hits in an intimate setting before a live audience. Martin's music will be tailored for the unplugged setting with the use of strings, horns and percussion in order to provide memorable musical moments.
"Ricky Martin is without question one of the most successful Latin artists in the world," commented Jose Tillan, Senior Vice President of music programming and talent strategy for MTV Networks Latin America and MTV Tr3s in the US. "We will work closely with Ricky in developing a musical platform where his music is showcased in a very different light from his previous work. He is looking forward to taking musical chances by mixing genres and cultures, which are great ingredients for a successful show. I think we will have a great time working together in making a show that will speak to audiences all over the world," added Tillan.
"Creating music that reaches millions of people through the magic of TV is an extraordinary opportunity. That is why this project with MTV Latin America is of interest to me and we're working on giving them a truly spectacular musical event that will showcase our music and the unique energy to every corner of the globe especially the Latin communities." commented Ricky Martin.
"Simply put, this is the right project for the right artist at the right time. We very much look forward to showcasing Ricky's depth as a performer and a creative force through the unique, worldwide brand that is MTV Unplugged. We have already had a lot of fun with Ricky, Jose and the production team in our initial meetings. And the best is yet to come!" commented Kevin Lawrie, President of Sony/BMG Latin.
Singer/songwriter and Latin pop icon Ricky Martin returns to the MTV stage fresh off the release of his 2005 album, "Life," which encompasses his most eclectic cross-cultural collection to-date. The first single 'I Don't Care' was produced by Scott Storch, pop music's hottest producer, and has quickly become a favorite among critics and the MTV audience. "Life" topped the charts with its reggaeton-infused "Drop it on Me" and heavy-hitting collaborators Daddy Yankee, Fat Joe, Voltio, Amerie and Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas. Ricky's crossover success embarked with his self-titled album in 1999, which tallied over 17 million copies worldwide and registered seven-time platinum in the US. His hit single, "La Copa de la Vida," became the official song of the World Cup France '98 and "Livin La Vida Loca" became the No 1 single in five international markets including the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland. Martin's slew of awards includes Grammys (Both International and Latin), Latin Billboards, a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' from Premio Lo Nuestro, MTV Video Music Awards; and numerous MTV Viewer's Choice Awards in Latin America and Russia. To date, Martin has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide.
Charlie Singer, Executive VP of Programming, Creative and Marketing Strategy, MTV Networks Latin America will executive produce the show. Jose Tillán, Senior Vice President of Music and Artist Relations, MTV Networks Latin America and MTV Tr3s will co-produce and supervise the musical content of the show. Manny Rodriguez ("Alejandro Sanz MTV Unplugged," "La Ley MTV Unplugged") will serve as director of the show.
