Menudo | |
|---|---|
 Menudo in 1989 (from left to right; Ricky Martin, Ruben Gómez, Robert Avellanet, Sergio Blass and Angelo García) | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Puerto Rico |
| Genres | |
| Years active |
|
| Labels |
|
| Spinoffs | MDO |
| Members |
|
| Past members | |
| Website | Official Menudo 2025 Website |
Menudo is a Puerto Ricanboy band formed by producerEdgardo Díaz.[1] Referred to as the "most iconic Latino pop music band",[2] they have been ranked as one of the biggest boy bands of all time by several publications, includingBillboard,Us Weekly,Seventeen, andTeen Vogue, being the only Latin band on their lists.[3][4][5][6]
The band had several radio hits during its career. They acted in a television film (1979'sLeyenda de Amor[7]) and two feature films,An Adventure Called Menudo (Una aventura llamada Menudo) andMenudo: The Movie (Menudo: La Película), in threemini series entitled "I Want to Be", "It's for Love" and "Forever Friends" ("Quiero Ser", "Es Por Amor" and "Por Siempre Amigos") and another television mini-series namedPanchito and Arturo (Panchito y Arturo).[8]
Due to changes in puberty-relatedvocal range andtimbre becoming permanent at around the age of 17, Menudo was distinctive in that members of the band were let go at that age, and younger vocalists took their place. In fact over the course of the band's history, it had run through more than fifty members, for this very reason. At any one time however, the Menudo band was usually, except for two isolated eras, composed of five male teenagers.[9]
Menudo's original lineup consisted of five boys: brothersFernando and Nefty Sallaberry (ages 12 and 13); the Melendez brothers,Carlos Meléndez, (age 12),Óscar Meléndez, (age 11), andRicky Meléndez, (age 9); the latter three are Díaz's cousins.[10] The band's golden-era lineup[according to whom?] consisted of members Ricky Meléndez,Johnny Lozada,René Farrait,Miguel Cancel,Xavier Serbiá,Charlie Masso andRay Reyes. It was also a starting point for popular international stars likeRicky Martin (1984–89) andDraco Rosa (1984–87), who were members of the band in the mid-1980s.
Entering the 1990s, their popularity started to wane amid allegations of drug use. In 1997, the rights and the name Menudo were sold. The remaining members continued to perform asMDO until their official disbandment in 2002. However, this iteration has continued to perform sporadically since. New management of Menudo formed a new line-up in 2007, releasing an EP but disbanding in 2009. Some of the members of the "golden era" of the band reunited in 1998 under the nameEl Reencuentro, and in 2019 for the "Súbete a Mi Moto" ("Get on My Motorcycle") Tour.[11]
Menudo is estimated to have sold 20 million albums worldwide and has generated over 300 million US dollars.[12][13]
Menudo was formed in 1977 by music producerEdgardo Díaz. The original line up consisted of 5 members, the Sallaberry brothers,Fernando and Nefty, and Díaz's cousins, the Melendez brothers,Oscar,Carlos, andRicky.[14] They were signed to Padosa Records and released their first albumLos Fantasmas in 1977. It featured "Teach Me To Sing" ("Enséñame a cantar"), a song by Spanish singerMicky. In 1978 they released another album calledLaura. Fifteen-year-old Nefty was the very first member to leave and was replaced by 12-year-oldRené Farrait. In 1979, they released an album calledLittle Girl (Chiquitita). At the end of 1979, Carlos left the band at age 15 and was replaced by 12-year-oldJohnny Lozada, after which they made their first Christmas album,Congratulations ("Felicidades").
In the early 1980s, Menudo had several hits, including "The Ghosts" ("Los Fantasmas") and a cover version ofABBA's "Do You Want" ("Voulez-Vous"). They filmed three music videos for the song "Little Girl" ("Chiquitita"), including one withPuerto Rican music starEdnita Nazario (who sang with them and played the titular "Chiquitita" on the video).[15] The group then released several moderately successful albums, includingFuego (Fire), which yielded hits "Ella A-A" ("Her"), "Fuego" ("Fire"), and "A Bailar" ("To Dance").[16] They also made "Fui Hecho Para Amarte", which itself was also a cover, in that song's case ofKISS's '"I Was Made For Lovin' You",[17] but that song was not included inFuego, and was released on theirXanadu album instead.
During 1981, the group, which by then consisted ofRené Farrait (14),Johnny Lozada (13),Xavier Serbiá (13),Miguel Cancel (13), and remaining original member Ricky Melendez (13), released "I Want to Be" ("Quiero Ser"). The album would launch Menudo into international stardom. It included hit songs such as "I Want to Be" ("Quiero Ser"), "Get on My Motorcycle" ("Súbete A Mi Moto"), "Rock on TV" ("Rock En La TV"), "Clarity" ("Claridad"), and "My Band Plays Rock" ("Mi Banda Toca Rock"). They also had their own telenovela series entitledI Want To Be(Quiero Ser).
In the same year, the group hosted a television show onTelemundo entitledMenudo Young People (Gente Joven de Menudo). They hosted a yearly beauty pageant, "Menudo's young girl" ("La chica joven de Menudo") and the winner of the pageant would sometimes appear in the band's videos or join them onstage at their concerts throughout the United States.
Menudo became very popular throughoutLatin America, from Mexico to Argentina, andBrazil. They also became the first boy band to own their own private jet. Díaz, their manager, purchased aLockheed JetStar that had belonged to American PresidentRichard Nixon and theShah of Iran. He had Menudo's name emblazoned on both sides of the fuselage. In 1982,Charlie Masso, then age 12, replacedRené Farrait, age 14. Masso's first album with Menudo was "For Love" ("Por Amor"). During this boom of popularity, fans started calling themselves contagious to the "Menuditis", similar toBeatlemania andBieber Fever, or the "Menudomania". They were so popular that they starred in their own feature films:Menudo: The Movie andAn Adventure Called Menudo.Aventura starredGladys Rodríguez as Miss Mia ("Señora Mía") and included songs such as "Clara" and "Fly" ("A Volar").
_(4208735239).jpg)
During their first visit to New York in early 1983,Ray Reyes, 12, replacedXavier Serbiá, 14. Their American fanbase grew, especially among the young, as evidenced byMenudo on ABC, aseries of four minute music spots that aired during the Fall 1983 season ofABC's youth-oriented Saturday-morning programming block.[18] They also sang the theme song for ABC'sRubik, the Amazing Cube.Miguel Cancel became the first member to voluntarily quit the group. According to a 1998 interview, he was unhappy that a sudden voice change rendered him unable to sing his songs, so he opted to leave before his scheduled departure. He was replaced byRoy Rosselló, 13. Menudo signed a six-year multimillion-dollar contract withRCA International and released their Spanish albumA Todo Rock (Full of Rock). According toTime magazine, at the end of July, the group had already sold 3 million copies worldwide,[18] 750,000 in USA only.[18]
Around that time, Menudo merchandise began to be mass-produced. Merchandise included Menudo dolls, which appeared in the United States and Latin American toy markets in 1984,[19] Menudo Topps trading cards,[20] wristwatches,[21]fotonovelas, fanzines, T-shirts, a 1981 board game named "Menudo Karshow"[22][23] and other clothing accessories and school supplies. In 1984, Robby Rosa (now known asDraco Rosa), 14, replacedJohnny Lozada, 16, just in time for Menudo to release their first English-language album,Reaching Out, which featured the theme track "Like a Cannonball" for theHollywood movieCannonball Run 2; and their first Portuguese album,Mania, both featuring versions of some of their Spanish hits. During the first half of 1984, Menudo toured the U.S. and Brazil. The Spanish version "Como Cannonball" was used in the Filipino youth movieBagets 2 and also featured the song "Fly Away".
On September 16, 1984,Ricky Melendez, 16, the sole remaining original member, left the group. Up until then, he was the only Menudo member to remain with the group for seven years. He was replaced byRicky Martin, then 12, who debuted on the album,Evolución(Evolution). During this time, Menudo's popularity reached parts ofAsia includingJapan and thePhilippines, and the group made English-language commercials forPepsi,Scope,Burger King,McDonald's, andCrest. They also made a guest appearance on the popular American children's programSesame Street. By the end of September, sales of their records surpassed 8 million copies worldwide.[24] Then, much to the surprise of fans and himself,Ray Reyes, 15, departed the group earlier than expected, due to internal conflicts between Ray's father and the manager (information recently confirmed by his brother Raúl Reyes[citation needed]). In a 1998 interview, Reyes stated he was surprised when during a Menudo interview in 1985, the interviewer asked who would leave the group next and Edgardo Díaz named Ray. The group also had a weekly television show called "Menudo Mania".
Raymond Acevedo (13) took over Reyes' spot in 1985 and Menudo sang vocals for the Spanish-English song "Cantare, Cantaras" (I Will Sing, You Will Sing) with various Latin artists to raise money for UNICEF. This song was the Latin American version of "We Are the World". "Cantare, Cantaras" was recorded on April 9, 1985, at the A&M Studios. The group released their second English-language album,Menudo which contains the songs "Hold Me" (#62 Billboard Hot 100, RCA 14087)[25] and "Explosion", both with lead vocals by Robi Rosa. They also released their next Spanish album,Ayer Y Hoy (Yesterday And Today), and their second Portuguese albumA Festa Vai Comecar (The Party Is Going To Start). They successfully touredBrazil, performing before hundreds of thousands of fans, but there were allegations of the tour being poorly organized: the capacity for a concert inRio de Janeiro was 60,000 but 70,000 tickets were sold, and 2 women died. InSão Paulo, a 100,000-capacity stadium was sold-out with 200,000 people, and in the São Paulo city ofCampinas, rain delayed a concert for 4 hours.
In 1986, the song King Holiday was recorded. Later in the yearRoy Rosselló (15) was replaced bySergio Blass (13) but no farewell concert was held. According to a book written by Raymond Acevedo's father in 2012 titled "Papi, Quiero Ser Un Menudo," Roy threatened to expose management irregularities to the press and was given a huge sum of money to leave the group due to his behavior as it was deemed by creator Edgardo Diaz as "uncontrollable." At this time, Menudo's management startedbending the rules a little and started allowing members to remain in the group after reaching the age limit. Sergio had been in two Puerto Rican groups prior to joining Menudo; the first being Concepto Juvenil from 1983 to 1985, and thenLos Chicos de Puerto Rico, for a few months in 1985. The group released several albums that year, starting with their only Italian album,Viva! Bravo!, which they showcased in Italy in theSan Remo Music Festival. The Spanish albumRefrescante (Refreshing), the English albumCan't Get Enough, and the Portuguese albumMenudo followed respectively, then came tours of the U.S., Latin America (including Brazil), and thePhilippines.
In October 1986,Ralphy Rodriguez (13) entered the group to replace Charlie (17) just as the group began facing internal conflicts. First,Robby (17) quit without warning in the midst of a Brazilian tour, becoming the third member to quit voluntarily. Menudo's Summer in the Street U.S. tour introduced new memberRubén Gómez (13).
At that point, the group underwent a complete image makeover, changing their look to a rougher, more rugged, rock-n-roll-like look. Members were Ralphy, Ruben, Ricky Martin, Sérgio and Raymond: this formation became known as Los Hijos Del Rock. Their music, formerly described as bubblegum-pop, underwent a similar change. They released the Spanish albumSomos Los Hijos del Rock (We Are The Sons Of Rock), followed by an English-Tagalog album for the Philippines titledIn Action with Ralphy and Rubén. In late 1987, Ralphy's parents pulled him from the group. Charlie was again asked to fill in during the Philippines tour, which would be their last as their popularity there waned.
In early 1988,Angelo García (11) replacedRalphy Rodríguez (14) and they released their final English-language album,Sons of Rock, scoring an international hit, "You Got Potential". Another song, "TLC" (akaA Little TLC), featured lead vocals byRicky Martin. In August 1988, Raymond Acevedo's contract was about to expire, but he decided to leave before auditions were held for his replacement, and Menudo performed as a quartet for a few months beforeRobert Avellanet (13) took over. The albumSombras Y Figuras was released at the end of the year. During 1989, longtime memberRicky Martin (17) left the group to pursue a solo career.Rawy Torres (13) years old, replaced him and the formationLos Ultimos Heroes was born and they released the album Los Últimos Héroes. This formation was a success. They filmed a telenovela of the same name. Future memberJonathan Montenegro acted alongside them.
Despite their newfound success, the group kept facing problems: At age 13 during a concert in Caracas, Venezuela,Angelo García left the stage because of the pain ofappendicitis; a new member was chosen by Sergio's mother and he wasCésar Abreu (13), who only lasted 7 months. Like Sergio, Abreu was in Concepto Juvenil, from 1989 to early 1990. They released another Portuguese album,Os Ultimos Herois.
Management was preparing for Sergio's departure and debuted the first non-Puerto Rican member, Adrián Olivares (13) of Mexico, who entered the group with the formation of Ruben/Robert/Rawy/Cesar/Adrian, (although Sergio was still, officially, a member) but Abreu suddenly departed just seven months in the group. Management decided to bring Sergio back in (making him the second member to be back in Menudo after Charlie Masso) for another Spanish album,No Me Corten El Pelo (Don't Cut My Hair) featuring the Sergio/Rubén/Robert/Rawy/Adrián lineup. During this time, Menudo: Edicion Brasil was renamed to Os Ultimos Herois, but Cesar's vocals were kept as the cover was changed with Adrian in it and also an additional track sung by Rawy Torres.
In November 22, 1990, two members were arrested atMiami International Airport, Sergio Blass and Ruben Gomez, ages 18 and 16, after a sniffer dog foundmarijuana in their pockets. It would have been acquired in Mexico while touring with Menudo. This resulted in a scandal and an expulsion from both of the members.[citation needed] In December, two new non-Puerto Rican members joined the group:Edward Aguilera (13) of Spain replaced Sergio Blass (18) (thus becoming the second European-after Fernando Salaberry-to be a member of the band) andJonathan Montenegro (12) of Venezuela replacedRubén Gómez (16).
At the end of 1990, with the resignation of Ruben Gomez and Sérgio Blass and the entry of the two new members, a new controversy arose: Jonathan, Edward, Rawy and Robert resigned from Menudo, alleging abuse and mistreatment. This lineup lasted very little, from December 1990 to April 1991, and they didn't record any albums. Robert and Rawy went on to create a separate group called Euphoria, Edward's singing career fizzled out, and Jonathan continued his acting career.[citation needed]
Adrian was the only one who remained in the group after he was approached while in Mexico and also was paid the money owed to him. The Management proposed a new lineup with a more international focus and Adrian wanting to be the oldest in the group accepted to come back.[citation needed] Edgardo Díaz left Puerto Rico and held auditions in Miami, Florida, signing Miami teensAlexis Grullón (13), Ashley Ruiz (15), and Andy Blázquez (12), and Pecos, Texas residentAbel Talamántez (12). The first album with the new lineup wasDetrás De Tu Mirada, which was very successful in the whole continent, especially inPeru. From then on, the Peruvian fanbase was the most important one.[citation needed]
Menudo continued to work, releasing an English single titled "Dancin', Movin', Shakin'", and a follow-up in 1993, "Cosmopolitan Girl", on McGillis Records. They also continued to travel through Latin America. In March 1992, Menudo filmed inNew York City "The Making of Dancin, Movin, Shakin" for Darrin McGillis Productions. In August 2012, the film was released for free viewing onYouTube.[26]
In 1992, they released15 Años (15 Years), which would be Adrián's last album with the band, when he left in 1993. The album had hits such as "Buscame" and "Lo Que Juramos".Ricky López (13) replaced Adrián (16) and the group released their fifth Portuguese albumVem Pra Mim (Come to Me) in 1993. The next year, they released their 22nd Spanish album,Imaginate... (Imagine), with hits like "Un Hombre Que Sabia Demas", which is the Spanish version of "Um Homem Que Sabia Demais" fromSkank, "Yo Quiero Bailar Reggae", and "Mil Angeles", which was dedicated to a fan, Cecilia Lopez, who died at one of their concerts in Peru the year before.
In 1995, Ricky López (15) quit the group without warning, and again the band performed as a quartet for a few months. Ashley (19) had also decided to leave, so auditions were held andDidier Hernández (16) andAnthony Galindo (16) were chosen. Ashley's farewell concert was inPanama, where the new members were presented. In 1996, the group released their last Spanish album under the Menudo name,Tiempo De Amar (Time to Love). The album was very successful, producing several hit singles. In 1997, Andy Blázquez (18) left the group and was replaced by Daniel René Weider. A spinoff group was formed asMDO. A Spanish album was released titledMDO.
In 1998 Ricky Meléndez, René Farrait, Miguel Cancel, Johnny Lozada, Ray Reyes, and Charlie Massó re-joined to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their success in Latin America, North America, Spain, and several other countries. They planned the reunion concert to take place atCentro de Bellas Artes in the San Juan suburb of Santurce, as an experimental project. They ended up doing the shows at the much largerColiseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, instead. They had an unexpected success and performed as an ensemble throughout North and Latin America until August 2015, when the group disbanded due to financial issues. They named thisEl Reencuentro because they could not use the "Menudo" name.
In 2000, MDO released their albumSubir Al Cielo with critical success. The album lead track "Te Quise Olvidar" topped theBillboard Hot Latin Tracks for several weeks. The group follow-up singles "Sin Ti" and "Me Huele a Soledad" also reached the top 10 in the U.S.. In 2002, former members Sergio, Rubén, Robert, Angelo and Rawy reunited under the name "Los Últimos Héroes" giving numerous concerts in Venezuela.
In early 2003, MDO officially broke up on amicable terms. The members wanted to pursue other projects. Edgardo Díaz introduced the new MDO in January 2005. In 2004,Edgardo Díaz announced that he would be bringing a new group with the Menudo formula into the music industry. Initially expecting this new group to be named Menudo, he surprised the press and general public by naming themTick Tock.
Also in 2004, former Menudo members Roy, Raymond, Rubén, Sergio and Andy reunited under the name and banner:Menudo: La Reunion. They were based and focused primarily on a series of 'Brazilian' tours. Sergio left due to his prior commitment with "Los Últimos Héroes", and was replaced with Anthony Galindo. Andy would later be replaced by former MDO member Caleb Avilés before disbanding in late 2005, early 2006. In January 2005, producer Edgardo Díaz introduced the new MDO with four new members: Daniel Rodríguez, Luis Montes, Elliot Suro, and Lorenzo Duarte. The first three were among the contestants of Puerto Rican reality/talent showObjetivo Fama. This latest incarnation of the group achieved great success with their single "Otra Vez" which took them all acrossLatin America.
Also, in 2005, former Menudo members René, Johnny, Miguel, Ricky, Charlie, and Ray reunited once again to perform the songs that Menudo popularized during their era under the name and bannerEl Reencuentro: Momento del Adios making this their farewell tour. There were plans to bring this production to Latin America and the U.S. Also in 2005, Sergio, Angelo, Robert, Rawy and Adrián reunited again under the nameLos Últimos Héroes after their successful reunion concerts in 2002.
In 2006, formerMenudo: La Reunion members, Anthony and Rubén reunited and formed the duoBlacksheep and continued touring in Brazil. The duo grew a large fan base in both Brazil andHispanic America. In 2007, a re-release of the 1992 VHS film of Menudo The making ofDancin', Movin', Shakin'" was released on McGillis Records. EntitledTriple Threat DVD/CD Combo,[27] the box set included the Film on DVD for the first time, along with two music CDs,Latin Teen Stars andDance Music All Night Long, featuring hit songs by Menudo, ex-Menudo members. The single, "Dancin', Movin', Shakin'", and "Cosmopolitan Girl" was released digitally on iTunes in May 2009.
In 2007, it was announced that Menudo would return after signing a multi-album contract withSony Music. That would be directed byJohnny Wright, he was the manager ofJustin Timberlake and the new band music was to be a fusion of urban, pop and rock in both English and Spanish. They began promoting the project in cities of the United States and Mexico to attract young singers who wanted to belong to a new band that would sing in Spanish and English. Auditions in different cities such as Los Angeles, Dallas, Miami, New York, among others. In the Dallas audition, radio announcer Daniel Luna and singerLuis Fonsi[28] were part of the selection jury. where they were selectedJC Gonzalez[29] and Monti Montañez (Che Antonio). In New York, they took 25 boys and during this one-week mini-competency they chose 15: Monti Montañez (Che Antonio),JC Gonzalez,[30] Carlos Pena, Jr., Anthony, Carlos Olivero, Chris Moy, Dennis, Eric, Hansel, Henry, Jorge Gabriel, Jorge Negron, José Bordonada, Monti Montañez (Che Antonio), Thomas and Trevor. The 15 semifinalists met in South Beach, Florida to continue preparing with producerJohnny Wright, choreograph Anibal Marrero and voice coach David Coury, participating through a reality show showing the entire process of competition. The re-founding of the band was profiled in aMTVreality series entitledMaking Menudo that had launched as a primetime series on October 25, 2007, but was later pushed to afternoons due to low ratings.[31] The series aired ten episodes, ending on November 20, 2007.
The members chosen in this version were: Jose Bordonada Collazo, Chris Moy, Emmanuel Vélez Pagán, Monti Montañez (Che Antonio), andCarlos Olivero. In December, a few weeks after the members of the group were chosen, theirMore Than Words EP was released, including four songs: "More Than Words (A E I O U)," "Mas Que Amor (A E I O U)," "Move," and "This Christmas." Their first album was scheduled for release in autumn of 2008.
In 2009 they had a video in two versions titled: "Lost", in which the American actress, model and singer of Puerto Rican descent,Victoria Justice, appeared, which attracted much attention of the public towards the video. The group disbanded in early 2009.
After having internal band problems, El Reencuentro disbanded in 2015; Charlie Massó threatened to take legal action with Johnny Lozada, who had financial and managerial control of the project at the time.[32] During 2016, four members of El Reencuentro René Farrait, Charlie Massó, Ray Reyes, Miguel Cancel and joined byRobert Avellanet went back on tour, this time under the name Menudo. However the project disbanded quickly and continued with the Menudomania Forever Tour produced by In Miami Productions formed by other Menudo and MDO members from different eras, including Avellanet,Jonathan Montenegro andRawy Torres. In 2019, Ricky Meléndez, Johnny Lozada, Miguel Cancel, Ray Reyes and René Farrait, reunited once again for the "Súbete a Mi Moto Tour" that kicked off at theDunkin' Donuts Center and included dates in Latin America. It was later informed that Robert Avellanet was replacing Miguel Cancel for the remainder of the tour that is on hold due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.
In September 2020, former Menudo and MDO memberAnthony Galindo was found unconscious after attempting suicide. He died days later after remaining hospitalized and became the first Menudo member to pass away.[33] His family described the singer's deep depression from the prolonged shutdown of various entertainment performance venues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. His organs were donated in accordance with his last wish.[34] Longtime member Ray Reyes died April 30, 2021, of a heart attack in his childhood home inToa Baja, Puerto Rico at 51. The group finished its last version of the "Súbete A Mi Moto Tour" with members Ricky Meléndez, René Farrait, Johnny Lozada and Miguel Cancel.
In April 2025, NBC was sued in Federal Court for libel to the brand name Menudo.NBC Lawsuit Story on TMZMenudo Promoter Sues NBC
It was announced during 2022 that a new group of people, led by Mexican-American actorMario Lopez, would launch a reboot of Menudo. The project, named "Menudo: A New Beginning", held online auditions as well as ones in Miami, Florida, New York, NY,San Juan, Puerto Rico.[35] and more.
On March 20, 2023, the new members of boy band, Menudo, performed onGood Morning America.[36] The band's members were Alejandro Querales (aged 16), Ezra Gilmore (aged 14), Gabriel Rossell (aged 15), Andrés Emilio Pirela (aged 15), and Nicolas Calero (aged 12).[37] In 2024 they competed onAmerica's Got Talent. Ezra Gilmore and Nicolas Calero have since quit the band. Gilmore and Calero were substituted by Janvier Flores and Zaulo Enchautegui.[38]
The following list names past Menudo members.Edgardo Díaz's group had a long list of members because the boys had to leave after turning a certain age, usually the age ranges from 15-18 years old when they depart (With the exception of Rene Farrait, Xavier Serbia, Ralphy Rodriguez, Angelo Garcia, Cesar Abreu, Edward Aguilera, Jonathan Montenegro, Ricky Lopez and Ashley Ruiz).
| Members | Ages in the group | Years in the group | Status | Replaced by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nefty Sallaberry | 13–15 | 1977–79 | Retired | René Farrait[39] | |
| Carlos Meléndez | 12–15 | 1977–80 | Johnny Lozada | Brother of Oscar & Ricky and cousin of Edgardo Díaz | |
| Fernando Sallaberry | 1977–80 | Xavier Serbiá | Born in Spain. became popular as a soloist inPuerto Rico and inSouth America but suffers fromNeuromuscular disease, a rare condition that has no cure, which led to him confined to his wheelchair and was forced to retire. He was the first member to do so. | ||
| Óscar Meléndez | 11–15 | 1977–81 | Miguel Cancel[40] | Brother of Carlos & Ricky and cousin of Edgardo Díaz | |
| Ricky Meléndez | 9–16 | 1977–84 | Active | Ricky Martin | Brother of Carlos & Oscar and cousin of Edgardo Díaz |
| René Farrait | 12–15 | 1979–82 | Retired | Charlie Masso[41] | |
| Johnny Lozada | 12–16 | 1980–84 | Active | Robi Rosa | |
| Xavier Serbiá | 12–15 | 1980–83 | Retired | Ray Reyes | Financial analyst onCNN en Español |
| Miguel Cancel | 13–15 | 1981–83 | Active | Roy Rossello | Born in U.S.A.(first American-born member) Became the first member to quit voluntarily. |
| Charlie Massó | 12–17 | 1982–87 | Retired | Ralphy Rodríguez | |
| Ray Reyes | 13–15 | 1983–85 | Deceased | Raymond Acevedo[41] | Grew too tall(born in U.S.A.) |
| Roy Rosselló | 13–16 | 1983–86 | Retired | Sergio Blass | Became the second member to quit voluntarily. |
| Robby Rosa | 14–17 | 1984–87 | Active | Rubén Gómez | Born in U.S.A. Became the third member to quit voluntarily. |
| Ricky Martin | 12–17 | 1984–89 | Rawy Torres | ||
| Raymond Acevedo Kercado | 13–16 | 1985–88 | Robert Avellanet | He is currently Active in a group with Sergio, Ralphy and Ruben | |
| Sergio Gonzalez | 13–18 | 1986–90 | Edward Aguilera | Born in U.S.A. and was expelled due to the marijuana scandal. He is currently Active in a group with Raymond, Ralphy and Ruben | |
| Ralphy Rodríguez | 13–14 | 1986-87 | Angelo García | He is currently Active in a group with Raymond, Sergio and Ruben. He was the fourth member to quit voluntarily after his parents pulled him out in November 1987. | |
| Rubén Gómez | 13–16 | 1987–90 | Jonathan Montenegro | Born in U.S.A. and was expelled due to the marijuana scandal. He is currently Active in a group with Raymond, Sergio and Ralphy | |
| Angelo García | 11–13 | 1988–90 | Unknown | César Abreu | Born in U.S.A. |
| Robert Avellanet | 13–16 | 1988–91 | Active | Alexis Grullón[41] | He was one of the four members who left in 1991. |
| Rawy Torres | 14–16 | 1989–91 | Ashley Ruiz[41] | He was one of the four members who left in 1991. | |
| César Abreu | 13 | 1990 | Adrián Olivares | The second member to leave in the same year he joined in. | |
| Adrián Olivares | 14–17 | 1990–93 | Deceased | Ricky López | Born in Mexico. When he left, he did podcasting. |
| Edward Aguilera | 13–14 | 1990–91 | Retired | Andy Blázquez | Born in Spain. He was one of the four members who left in 1991. He and Montenegro were the only ones who didn't record CDs |
| Jonathan Montenegro | 12-13 | Active | Abel Talamántez[41] | Born in Venezuela. He was one of the four members who left in 1991. He and Aguilera were the only ones who didn't record CDs | |
| Alexis Grullón | 13-18 | 1991–97 | Moved to MDO | Born in U.S.A.(first member of Dominican descent) | |
| Ashley Ruiz | 15–19 | 1991–95 | Didier Hernández[42] | Born in U.S.A.(first member of Cuban descent) | |
| Andy Blázquez | 12–18 | 1991–97 | Retired | Moved to MDO | |
| Abel Talamántez | Active | First Mexican-American.[42] | |||
| Ricky López | 12–14 | 1993–95 | Retired | Anthony Galindo | Nicknamed 'Ricky III'. He was supposed to do a solo career, but he was involved in a car accident in 2004, though he survived despite his one month in a coma, he had multiple injuries and it left him on the wheelchair, forcing him to retire. He was the second member to do so. |
| Anthony Galindo | 16–18 | 1995–97 | Deceased | Moved to MDO | Born in Venezuela. |
| Didier Hernández | Active | Born in Cuba. | |||
| José Bordonada Collazo | 15–17 | 2007–09 | Quit | Member until disbandment | |
| José Montañez "Monti Montanez" now (Che Antonio) | 18–20 | Retired | |||
| Chris Moy | Quit | ||||
| Carlito Olivero | 18–20 | Retired | |||
| Emmanuel Vélez Pagán | Quit | ||||
| Alejandro Querales | 16 | 2023–present | Active | Current member | Born in Venezuela |
| Ezra Gilmore | 14 | 2023–2024 | Quit | Former member | Born in California. Half Nicaraguan, half Black. |
| Gabriel Rossell | 15 | 2023–present | Active | Current member | Born in Venezuela |
| Andrés Emilio Pirela | Current member | Born in Venezuela | |||
| Nicolas Calero | 12 | 2023–2024 | Quit | Former member | Born in New York. Half Puerto Rican, half Russian.[43] |
| Janvier Flores | 17 | 2025- | Active | Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico | |
| Zaulo Enchautegui | 17 | 2025- | Active | [38] |
Comercial Thom McAn – (1981)
| Award/organization | Year | Nominee/work | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agüeybaná Awards(Puerto Rico) | — | Menudo | — | Won | [49] |
| Association of Latin Entertainment Critics(Latin ACE) | 1984 | Menudo | Extraordinary Award for Variety | Honoree | [50] |
| Grammy Awards | 1984 | Una Aventura Llamada Menudo | Best Latin Pop Performance | Nominated | [51] |
| 1985 | Evolucion | Nominated | |||
| Guaicaipuro de Oro(Venezuela) | — | Menudo | — | Won | [49] |
| Meridiano de Oro | 1981 | Menudo | Most Popular Artists | Won | [52] |
| Premio El Cemi(Puerto Rico) | 1984 | Menudo | International Youth Representation | Won | [53] |
| Paoli Awards [es](Puerto Rico) | 1985 | Menudo | International Group | Won | [54] |
| Tokyo Music Festival | 1984 | "Explosión" | Gold Award(#2 place) | Won | [55] |
| Date (1983) | City | Country | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 9 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | Estadio Obras Sabitarias |
| March 12 | Mexico City | Mexico | Estadio Azteca |
| March 13 | Plaza de Toros Mexico | ||
| March 24 | Bucaramanga | Colombia | Club Unión |
| April 17 | Maracaibo | Venezuela | Estadio Luis Aparicio El Grande |
| April 18 | Caracas | Plaza de Toros Nuevo Circo | |
| June 18 | New York City | United States | Madison Square Garden[56] |
| June 19 | |||
| June 20 | |||
| June 21 | |||
| November 12 | Universal City | Universal Amphitheater | |
| November 13 | |||
| November 15 | Daly City | Cow Palace | |
| December 18 | Lima | Peru | Estadio Alejandro Villanueva |
| Date (1985) | City | Country | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 22 | Honolulu | United States | Blaisdell Arena |
| February 26 | Belém | Brazil | Estádio Jornalista Edgar Augusto Proença |
| February 27 | Fortaleza | Arena Castelão | |
| March 1 | Recife | Estádio José do Regó Maciel | |
| March 2 | Salvador | Estádio Octávio Mangabeira | |
| March 5 | Goiânia | Estádio Serra Dourado | |
| March 6 | Brasília | Estádio Mané Garrincha | |
| March 7 | Campo Grande | Ginásio Poliesportivo Avelino dos Reis | |
| March 9 | Belo Horizonte | Mineirão | |
| March 10 | Rio de Janeiro | Estádio São Januário | |
| March 12 | Porto Alegre | Estádio Olímpico Monumental | |
| March 15 | Curitiba | Estádio Couto Pereira | |
| March 16 | São Paolo | Estádio do Morumbi | |
| March 17 | Santos | Estádio Urbano Caldeira | |
| April 14 | Honolulu | United States | Blaisdell Arena |
| May 4 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | Estadio Luna Park |
| August 14 | São Paolo | Brazil | Ginásio deo Ibirapuera |
| August 15 | |||
| August 16 | |||
| August 17 | |||
| August 18 | |||
| September 15 | Estádio do Morumbi | ||
| November 6 | Providence | United States | Providence Performing Arts Center |
| Date (1988) | City | Country | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 6 | Mexico City | Mexico | Unknown |
| October 22 | Chicago | United States | International Amphitheater |
| October 27 | San Antonio | Joe Freeman Coliseum |
| Date (1989) | City | Country | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 6 | Maracay | Venezuela | Plaza de Toros la Maestranza |
| May 7 | Valencia | Estadio Polideportivo Misael Delgado | |
| May 12 | Maracaibo | Plaza de Toros Monumental | |
| May 13 | Puerto La Cruz | Centro Sirio | |
| May 14 | Caracas | Poliedro de Caracas | |
| June 10 | New York City | United States | Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center |
| October 28 | Caracas | Venezuela | Poliedro de Caracas |
| October 29 |
| Date (2008) | City | Country | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1 | Las Vegas | United States | House of Blues |
| May 3 | San Francisco | Great American Music Hall | |
| May 4 | San Diego | House of Blues |
| Date (2019) | City | Country | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 6 | San Juan | Puerto Rico | Coliseo de Puerto Rico |
| Date (2020) | City | Country | Venue |
| August 20 | Caracas | Venezuela | Poliedro de Caracas |
| Date (2021) | City | Country | Venue |
| October 2 | San Juan | Puerto Rico | Coca-Cola Music Hall |
| December 16 | Monterrey | Mexico | Auditorio Citibanamex |
| December 17 | Mexico City | Arena CDMX | |
| December 18 | Querétaro | Auditorio Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez | |
| Date (2022) | City | Country | Venue |
| August 20 | Caracas | Venezuela | Poliedro de Caracas |
| October 29 | Santiago de Surco | Peru | Explanada Olguín |
| November 12 | Miami | United States | Sebastian’s Venue |
| November 24 | Barranquilla | Colombia | |
| November 25 | Cali | ||
| November 26 | Bogotá | Carpa Cafam | |
| Date (2023) | City | Country | Venue |
| March 11 | Quito | Ecuador | Quorom (Paseo San Francisco) |
| May 12 | Monterrey | Mexico | |
| May 13 | Guadalajara | Foro Guanamor | |
| May 14 | Mexico City | Pepsi Center | |
| May 18 | Córdoba | Argentina | Quality Espacio |
| May 19 | Buenos Aires | Estadio Luna Park |
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)En Japón participaron en el festival de Tokio donde ganaron El premio de oro que viene a ser el segundo lugar por la canción Explosión
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
_Dec_2024.jpg){kind=icon}
