I'm a fan (and you should be too) because...

Ricky is the one artist of our generation who is pure. He has made himself an icon off the basis of his craft alone - not any personal scandal. People have criticized him for it, but why should he tell anyone what he does out of the public eye? Maybe, just maybe, he would rather be remembered for the music and the shows he put out instead of what he did when he wasn't onstage.

Ricky never worries about how he looks, whether putting himself out there the way he does will make him look stupid or vulnerable. He decides on the message he's going to send out and then does everything in his power to make sure he emotes that message.

He's proud of his heritage, which is so beautiful. Seeing him as king of the Puerto Rican Day Parade was one of my favorite memories of 2007! I have pictures of him kissing the beautiful flag that he loves (which he and I just happen to share)!

Not to mention, he's the only artist I've seen sing live in YEARS. I love watching him perform - I can't even pinpoint how long it's been since I've seen someone perform and seen their faces redden, spit fly, and veins pop because they're singing so hard.

Not to mention, he's so SEXY!