Ricky Martin to make history with first-ever Latin Icon award at VMAs

Ricky Martin is set to make history with the first-ever Latin Icon award at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) 2025.

The “She Bangs” hitmaker is set to receive the history-making award at the VMAs 2025, as well as deliver a performance during the awards. Fellow artist Lady Gaga is leading the nominations this year with 12 nods, while global girl group KATSEYE have also picked up their first nomination this year. 

“Thrilled to be honouring @ricky_martin with the first ever 2025 #VMAs Latin Icon Award!”, the award show announced on Instagram on Tuesday (19 August).

It will be a full-circle moment for the Palm Royale actor, who made history at the VMAs 26 years ago as the first male Latin artist to win best pop video. He was also the most awarded artist at the event that year.

At the 1999 VMAs, the multi-hyphenate and Grammy Award-winner performed his hit track “Livin’ la Vida Loca” and became the first Latin artist in history to receive a nomination for the song in the video of the year category. The song won five VMA awards that year. 

Hailing from San Juan, Martin started his career as a child in television ads before gaining notoriety for his music chops in the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo. In 1991, he launched his solo career with Sony Music Mexico. 

Since coming out as gay in 2010, Martin has been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. The star headlined L.A. Pride in 2024, marking his first-ever headline slot at a Pride festival. He was also the first out gay Latin artist to perform at the festival. 

“Being part of this vibrant community fills me with pride and purpose,” he said at the time. 

The 2025 VMAs will air 7 September on CBS for the first time, as well as on MTV, and a livestream on Paramount+ (for premium subscribers).

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