María (Ricky Martin song)

"María" is a song recorded by Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin for his third studio album, A Medio Vivir (1995). The song was written by Ian Blake, Luis Gómez Escolar, and KC Porter, while the production was handled by Porter, Tom Vickers, and Steve Berkowitz. It was released by Sony Music Mexico as the second single from the album on November 21, 1995. A Spanish language flamenco, dance, and salsa song, it is about an attractive but dangerous woman called "María". Local DJ Pablo Flores remixed the song, turning it into an up-tempo samba tune in a house bassline. The remix version became more popular than the original one.

The song has received highly positive reviews from music critics, who complimented its production and catchy rhythm. The remix was ranked as one of the Greatest Latin Pop Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone, and was listed among the 11 remixes of classic Latin hits by Billboard. It is known as the song that launched the Latin and dance music crossover of the '90s. "María" was also commercially successful, becoming Martin's breakthrough song and his first international hit. It topped the charts in 20 countries and has sold over five million physical copies worldwide, earning the Guinness World Record for the biggest Latin hit. It has received several certifications, including diamond in France.

The first accompanying music videos for the original song and Pablo Flores remix were filmed in La Boca, and aired in 1995. A re-made version of the video for the remix was filmed in Paris and directed by Memo del Bosque. It aired in 1998 and depicts Martin walking around the city and dancing in the streets. To promote the song, Martin performed it on several television programs and award shows, including both the Grammy Awards and the Brit Awards in 2000. Multiple contestants on various music talent shows have covered the song, including Carlito Olivero.