What were these Latino celebs up to before they were famous?
The path to stardom is not an easy one, and these A-list celebrities had to go through some of the many struggles that the average…
The path to stardom is not an easy one, and these A-list celebrities had to go through some of the many struggles that the average Latino has to go through to make their dreams come true. We salute them this Hispanic Heritage Month.
Before they were famous, some of the following celebrities did everything from working at Wendy’s to singing in their church choir. Many knew what they wanted to be famous from a young age and did everything they could to make it happen.
Pitbull
Ryan Seacrest and Pitbull speak onstage at Fashion Rocks 2014 presented by Three Lions Entertainment at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on September 9, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Three Lions Entertainment)
Before his sleek shaved head, the Cuban rapper was sporting long, braids. Since he was three years old, he has been destined to become a rapper, being able to recite work from poet Jose Marti. The Miami born artist chose his name in reference to the dog breed, who “bite to lock.” More than 10 years ago, Pitbull put his name out there on Lil Jon’s album Kings Of Crunk and in 2004 released the album that put him in the spotlight, M.I.A.M.I., with tracks including Culo and Toma.
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Romeo
NEW YORK, NY – JULY 11: Romeo Santos performs in concert at Yankee Stadium on July 11, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images)
Before rising to fame in the Latin world as the lead singer of the bachata band, Aventura, Romeo Santos got his first taste of music from his church. He started off as a singer in the church’s choir which lead him to create Los Tinellers, later known as Aventura, with his brothers Lenny and Max Santos and his cousin Henry Santos. After many successful hits, the band called it off in 2011 and Romeo embarked on his solo career.
Ricky Martin
Singer Ricky Martin arrives the World Music Awards at Sporting Monte-Carlo on May 27, 2014 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
This Puerto Rican hunk has done everything from creating a smash hit for the World Cup to committing himself as a judge on the hit TV show, The Voice. But before he was splashed on every latin magazine, the daddy of two was working hard to make his mark. Before getting into music Martin was involved in commercials at the young age of 6.
He later went on to join the band Menudo where he remained until he turned 18 and in 1988 he released his first solo album, Ricky Martin, which fortunately became hugely successful and allowed Martin to accomplish his dreams.
SEE ALSO: Could it finally be official? Ricky Martin & Ian Thorpe dating
Shakira
Recording artist Shakira attends the 2014 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 18, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Billboard Awards 2014/Getty Images for DCP)
Although the Colombian singer is unstoppable these days producing hit after hit, it wasn’t always easy for Shakira. After the flunk of her first two pop albums back in the early 90’s, Shakira jumped into acting, joining the cast of a soap opera called El Oasis. She later came to recognize that her acting skills weren’t great and Shakira was back to her music, having been inspired by more rock oriented artist.
She released her highly successful album Piez Descalzos and gave Latin rock a new name. In total, the star has released 10 albums and has also been featured as a judge on The Voice alongside Usher, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton.
