Ricky Martin: I live in the now

Ricky Martin thinks he always needs to "be in the moment" to continue his longevity.

The She Bangs singer has been making music since he was 12 and a member of pop group Menudo. After five years he went on to have a hugely successful solo career and is happy to share what it takes to stay at the top of the game.

"Persistence, surround yourself with the right people and to be in the moment with my eyes wide open," he told perezhilton.com. "I live the moment."

The 43-year-old has had ups and downs in his career and faced speculation about his sexuality for many years. He finally confirmed he was gay in March 2010, less than two years after having twin boys Matteo and Valentino, born by a surrogate mother. His children have opened up new avenues for him in his career, with him releasing a kids book, Santiago the Dreamer in Land Among the Stars, in 2013.

"My kids love music but they have inspired me to create/write children's book, which trust me, it was not in my plans ten years ago," he laughed.

The Puerto Rican records music in many different languages and has sold over 70 million records worldwide. But Ricky doesn't find any one particular dialect hard to sing, he just enjoys fans getting t hear his music.

"I've recorded in many difference languages since the beginning of my career. Whatever it takes to spread the message out there," he said. "[The song writing process] is never the same; you just don't know when it's going to hit you. You just gotta be open."