Sunday night’s Video Music Awards honored many of the top artists and groups in the world today, but a major theme of the evening was paying respect to those who paved the way.
Legends were consistently honored throughout the night, and they also performed some of their greatest hits. Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes and Lady Gaga represented top acts from the past, and proved that they still had what it takes to hang with some of the top artists of 2025.
A trailblazer in multiple languages was honored with a special award, and he dedicated it to his fans and family in one of the evening’s most captivating moments.
MTV Presents First-Ever Award to Icon
Ricky Martin was given the inaugural Latin Icon Award during Sunday’s ceremony. The Puerto Rican singer is one of the most prolific artists in history to make the jump from Spanish-language stardom to success in the mainstream English market.
Martin was the face of a new generation of Latin musicians in the late 1990s, and is often credited as a driving force behind the blending of cultures in American pop music. He released his first self-titled English-language album in 1999, and it included the smash-hit single “Livin’ la Vida Loca.”
The 53-year-old looked to be in the prime of his career as he performed the song on stage Sunday, sprinkling it into a medley of several career hits. Martin incorporated some of his biggest Spanish-language songs into the performance, and stressed the importance of cultural unity through music.
Martin’s Dedication to Fans and Family
During his acceptance speech on Sunday, Martin said that after over four decades of work in the music industry, he wants to remain a source of positivity and unity for all.
“Thank you so much because it’s been 40 years — I started when I was a baby and we’re still here,” the singer said. “We just want to unite countries. We just want to break boundaries and we just want to keep music alive.”
Martin said that he was “addicted” to applause and kind messages from fans, and that their support has kept him going through a long and successful career.
“That’s why I keep coming back,” he added, referencing his fans. “It’s you, not only here in America, but all over the world.”
The singer closed by dedicated the trophy to his four children, telling them “everything I do, I do it with you in my mind and in my heart.”
Ricky Martin may be a legend in two different languages of music, but his status as an all-time great doesn’t mean he’s ready to slow down any time soon.
