Ricky Martin makes VMA history with Latin Icon Award

The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are right around the corner on September 7th, and the annual show is gearing up to be epic. We can expect red carpet fashion, star-studded performances, and viral moments, but there’s also some history being made. For the first time ever, the VMAs are introducing a Latin Icon Award, and the one and only Ricky Martin is the recipient. 

Martin helped pave the way for Latin artists in the mainstream. His 1999 breakout “Livin’ La Vida Loca” dominated the charts, earned him his first VMA, and changed pop culture. It was nominated for Video of the Year in 1999, which made him the first Latin artist in history to receive a nomination in the category. 

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“Livin’ La Vida Lova” had 9 nominations at the awards, and won 5: Best Dance Video,  Best Pop Video, International Viewer’s Choice Award – Latin America (North), International Viewer’s Choice Award – Latin America (South), and International Viewer’s Choice Award – Russia. 

Martin has since become one of the most decorated Latin artists in VMA history. Add to that more than 95 million records sold worldwide, two Grammy wins, and four Latin Grammys, and there’s no doubting his icon status. Martin won’t just be accepting the honor; he’s also performing, marking a full circle moment from when he took the VMA stage to perform the track in 1999. 

Who else is performing?

MTV announced the first round of performers, and joining him in repping Latinos is Colombian superstar J Balvin. Balvin will perform his track “Zun Zun” alongside Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez, and then team up with DJ Snake for the live premiere of their collab “Noventa.” 

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Balvin, a 13-time nominee, is also up for “Best Latin” with “Rio” and could make history as the winningest Latin artist in VMAs history if he takes home his sixth Moon Person.

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The lineup doesn’t stop there. Sabrina Carpenter, fresh off her massive year with “Espresso,” is back to perform and already leading the pack with eight nominations, including video of the year. 

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Alex Warren and Sombr, both up for best new artist, are also set to take the stage alongside legends like Busta Rhymes.

Who is hosting?

© Getty Images for Coachella

LL COOL J will be hosting live from New York’s UBS Arena on September 7.