LOS ANGELES (AP) - Ricky Martin was surrounded by hundreds of shrieking female fans as he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

''My work has been recognized. It will stay here forever, hopefully,'' the 35-year-old singer told The Associated Press after the ceremony Tuesday. ''I'm so motivated right now, we'll see where this takes me.''

Fans waved Puerto Rican flags and kept screaming Martin's name as his star was unveiled outside the Virgin Megastore at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.

''This is an incredible moment,'' he told the crowd. ''Everything I do, I do with love and passion.''

Martin is one of Puerto Rico's top-selling artists, with hits including ''She Bangs'' and ''Livin' la Vida Loca.'' The Grammy-winning singer, who got his start in the 1980s with boy band Menudo, has sold more than 60 million albums as a solo artist.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and actress Rita Moreno were also among those who attended the ceremony.

''To speak of his talent, his accolades, his awards is redundant,'' Moreno said. ''He has devoted part of his life, his talent, his resources, to helping needy children around the world.''

Martin created the nonprofit Ricky Martin Foundation, which advocates children's rights. He has spoken out against human trafficking, especially trafficking of children.

His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is the 2,351st awarded.

By SOLVEJ SCHOU Associated Press Writer
Photo by Damian Dovarganes STF

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