Puerto Rican pop star Ricky Martin has endorsed Hillary Clinton to become the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, ahead of the primary vote in his Caribbean birthplace.
"These elections will have historic repercussions both in the United States and the world. Senator Clinton has always been consistent in her commitment with the needs of the Latino community," Martin, 36, said in a statement.
"Whether fighting for better education, universal health care and social well-being, as first lady and senator from New York -- representing millions of Latinos -- she has always fought for what is most important for our families."
Martin is a five-time Grammy award winner who, after a successful career singing in Spanish, went global with his first English album in 1999. Including the hit "Livin' La vida loca", the 'Ricky Martin' album sold 17 million copies.
He also set up the Ricky Martin Foundation to advocate for children's welfare across the world, and in particular to fight human trafficking.
On Sunday, Puerto Rico holds its Democratic primary, followed by the last two primary contests Tuesday in Montana and South Dakota.
"In addition to his great talent, Ricky is committed to improving the world through his philanthropic work, and I am grateful for his support," Clinton said.
"He is a very important voice in the Latino community and together we will work to improve the lives of families and children across the country."
The US commonwealth island has 55 nominating delegates at stake in the tooth-and-nail contest between the senators Clinton and Barack Obama, who are fighting for the right to face Republican John McCain in the November election.
Voters in Puerto Rico, a former Spanish territory the United States has controlled since the Spanish-American War in 1898, are entitled to vote in US primaries but not in the election itself.
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