Operation Triumph 2017 in Spain.While he was the 5th contestant voted off, the gay pop star went on to release the singles “Mienteme,” A Mi Manera,” and “Perfecto,” before dropping his self-titled debut album Ricky Merino.When not showing off his vocal chops, the 37-year-old has garnered extensive TV credits having hosted Netflix‘s karaoke competition series ¡A Cantar! España, the dating series Language Of Love, and the singing reality show LaLaLa.Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.He’s also extremely physically fit.A post shared by Ricky Merino (@rickymerino)A post shared by Ricky Merino (@rickymerino)A post shared by Ricky Merino (@rickymerino)In 2020, Merino released a cover or Bronski Beat’s 1984 queer classic “Smalltown Boy,” his first English-language recording, with 2014 Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst.Merino said having Wurst (whose real name is Tom Neuwirth) duet on the single was honor as he had been a big admirer of Wurst’s talent and LGBTQ+ advocacy. “It is very important to launch this song, this message, and I have had great support and a great voice,” Merino told El Espanol.