Ricky Martin just added another shiny trophy to his already overflowing collection at the MTV Video Music Awards 2025. The 53-year-old music legend made history, becoming the very first recipient of the Latin Icon Award. The big moment happened on Sunday, September 7, at the UBS Arena in New York. And who better to hand him the prestigious honor than his old friend, Jessica Simpson? She even opened for him way back in 1999 during his epic Livin’ La Vida Loca tour. Talk about a full-circle moment!
During his acceptance speech, Martin kept it real and heartfelt. He looked out at the cheering crowd and said, "This is very simple, this is for all of you." He confessed, "Thanks for your applause; I’m addicted to your applause." He wasn’t just talking to the folks in the arena, though. "Not just you here in the United States, but you all over the world," he added, truly connecting with his global fanbase. Martin also looked back on his incredible journey, noting, "40 years have passed… I started working as a child, and we’re still here." His message was clear: "We just want to unite countries, we want to break barriers. We just want to keep music alive."
Family is clearly at the heart of everything Ricky does. He made sure to dedicate his new award to his kids. You might know his twin sons, Matteo and Valentino, who are 17. They were born via surrogacy. Then there’s his daughter, LucÃa, who is 6, and his son Renn, 5. They also came into the world via surrogacy during his marriage to ex-husband Jwan Yosef, a union that lasted from 2017 to 2023. Ricky shared a sweet sentiment, saying, "Everything I do, I do with you in mind and with my heart."
A Look Back at VMA History
This new Latin Icon recognition arrives 26 years after Ricky Martin first graced the VMA stage in 1999. That year was a game-changer for him and for Latin artists everywhere. He broke new ground, becoming the first male Latin artist ever to snag the Best Pop Video award for his massive hit, "Livin’ la Vida Loca." He wasn’t done there, either. That night, Ricky took home a whopping five Moonman statues, making him the most awarded artist. His wins included Best Dance Video, International Viewer’s Choice: MTV Latin America (North), International Viewer’s Choice: MTV Latin America (South), and International Viewer’s Choice: MTV Russia.
Ricky Martin Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for MTV
Earlier this year, Ricky shared his thoughts on his incredible legacy as a global artist. In an April interview with The Project, he made a powerful statement about music today. "Nowadays it doesn’t matter [what language you sing in]," he explained. "It’s about the transparency and honesty with which you perform, that’s what people perceive." He pointed to a new wave of artists doing the same. "I think this is a phenomenon that is happening again with artists like Bad Bunny, for example, whose music is heard all over the world, and all in Spanish." Ricky called it "beautiful" to have helped pave the way for other Latin artists. He summed up his philosophy by saying, "I’ve worked hard my whole life. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve done, and if the steps I’ve taken help new artists know what to do or what to avoid, why not?"
Just before the VMAs, Ricky gave his fans a little peek into his life on Instagram. He posted a carousel of photos on August 21, showing him traveling, attending meetings, focusing on self-care, and even resting up while sick. He wrote about "Fresh cuts. Flights. Secret projects in the works. Sacred stops along the way." He even got real about a holiday health hiccup: "And Type A flu (which came to visit during the holidays) reminds me I’m human." But then he added a little twist, "What you’re not seeing: that I’m slowing down. Not this month." It seems even a Latin Icon has to juggle a busy life with the desire for a little chill time, even if it’s not quite happening just yet!