Ricky Martin Crowned Latin Icon At MTV VMAs 2025
Ricky Martin just stole the spotlight at the MTV VMAs 2025, walking away with major wins that turned the night into his personal victory lap.
Ricky Martin turned the VMAs into a victory lap. Big hits, big energy, costume changes, and then a brand-new career honor with his name on it. If you like your pop-star tributes loud and sweaty, this was your moment.
The moment
At the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, Martin performed a full-throttle medley before picking up the first-ever Latin Icon award. Yes, first-ever — MTV minted a new honor, and they started with the guy who helped kick doors open for Latin artists on a global scale. The whole thing was designed to remind you exactly why he got it: a decades-spanning run that started back in his Menudo days and never really slowed down.
The setlist, because that is why we are here
- Livin' La Vida Loca
- Pégate
- Shake Your Bon-Bon
- Vente Pa' Ca
- María
- The Cup of Life
What he said
His acceptance speech hit two themes: this is for the fans, and music still cuts across borders. He made it personal, too, dedicating the award to his kids and saying everything he does is with them in mind and in his heart.
"Thank you so much for your applause. I am addicted to your applause. That is why I keep coming back. It is you, not only here in America, but all over the world."
He underscored that the goal is to unite countries, break boundaries, and keep music alive — simple idea, big statement, very Ricky.
Quick rewind
Last time Martin was a VMA winner: 1999, when Livin' La Vida Loca walked away with five awards. Recent music-wise, he dropped the Play project in 2022 and followed it with collaborations in 2023 with Christian Nodal and Residente. So, not a nostalgia-only night — he is still releasing new work while celebrating the canon.
Meanwhile at the VMAs
Elsewhere in the show, Mariah Carey took home this year’s Video Vanguard Award, and Busta Rhymes was honored with the Rock the Bells Visionary Award. On the nominations board, Lady Gaga led with 12, Bruno Mars had 11, and Kendrick Lamar followed with 10. Other nominees in the mix included ROSÉ, Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, The Weeknd, and Billie Eilish.