Puerto Rican artist Ricky Martin is about to add another milestone to his legendary career. The global superstar will become the first artist ever honored with the Latin Icon Award at theMTV Video Music Awards 2025, a brand-new recognition that celebrates the power and influence of Latin artists around the world.
The Puerto Rican singer, who has sold more than 70 million albums worldwide, is no stranger to breaking barriers. Over four decades, Ricky has racked up multiple GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY wins, plus more than 180 awards for his music, acting, and humanitarian work. From Livin' la Vida Loca to María and beyond, his songs not only topped the charts but also redefined what it meant to be a Latin artist crossing over into the global pop mainstream.
This year's VMAs appearance will be especially symbolic. It marks the 25th anniversary of his unforgettable performance that shook up pop culture in 1999, the same year he became the first male Latin artist to win Best Pop Video. That night, he left with five trophies, cementing his place as a trailblazer.
Latin Artists and MTV's Big Honors
Although the Latin Icon Award is brand-new in 2025, MTV has previously given major lifetime honors to Latin and global artists. In 2023, Shakira made history as the first South American artist to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, delivering a fiery performance that became one of the night's highlights. That same year, Diddy was presented with the Global Icon Award, showing MTV's recognition of pioneers across cultures.
By launching the Latin Icon Award, MTV is taking an important step in carving out space for Latin artists who have shaped music and culture on a global scale. And who better to inaugurate it than Ricky Martin, the artist who helped ignite the so-called "Latin Explosion" and continues to inspire younger generations of performers?
When Are the MTV VMAs 2025?
The MTV Video Music Awards 2025 will air live in September 7, bringing together the biggest names in music for one of the industry's most watched nights. Full details, including performers and nominees, are expected to be revealed later this summer.
Colombian artist J Balvin is the other Latino star confirmed as part of the show.
For now, one thing is certain: the night will belong to Ricky Martin, as MTV crowns him the very first Latin Icon Award recipient.
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