The MTV Video Music Awards are rolling out something new this year. When the show airs September 7 on CBS, MTV, and Paramount+, Ricky Martin will receive the inaugural Latin Icon Award and deliver a performance that ties back to one of the most memorable nights of his career.
A Trailblazing Legacy
Martin’s rise to global superstardom began with “Livin’ La Vida Loca” in 1999, a track that not only topped charts but also changed the VMAs forever. The video earned nine nominations, including Video of the Year, making Martin the first Latin artist to break into that category. He walked away with five wins, including Best Pop Video and Best Dance Video, cementing his place in MTV history.
That same year, he performed “Livin’ La Vida Loca” live at the VMAs, a set that introduced many American viewers to his high-octane stage presence and helped launch the Latin pop boom of the early 2000s.
From Menudo to Millions
Born in San Juan, Martin started his career in commercials before joining the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo as a teen. In 1991, he went solo and signed with Sony Music Mexico. Since then, he has sold more than 95 million records worldwide, earned two Grammys, four Latin Grammys, and became one of the most awarded Latin artists in VMA history.
A Voice for Community
In 2010, Martin publicly came out as gay, a decision he has said gave him freedom and purpose. He has since become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. In 2024, he made headlines again by headlining L.A. Pride, the first time an out gay Latin artist had ever topped the bill at the festival.
“Being part of this vibrant community fills me with pride and purpose,” he said at the time.
What to Expect at the 2025 VMAs
Martin’s performance is expected to be a centerpiece of the night, joining a packed lineup of stars. Lady Gaga leads this year’s nominations with 12 nods, while KATSEYE, a rising global girl group, earned their first nominations.
The 2025 VMAs will mark a return to the spotlight for Martin in a way that feels both historic and full circle. Twenty-six years after shaking up the VMAs with “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” he’ll once again show why he remains an enduring force in music and culture.
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