Ricky Martin dedicates Latin Icon Award to his four children at MTV VMAs
Taylor ArdreyRicky Martin laid it all on the stage during his acceptance speech at the 2025 MTV VMAs.
Martin, 53, was honored with the first-ever Latin Icon Award during the ceremony at USB Arena in Elmont, New York, on Sunday, Sept. 7. The award was presented by reggaeton singer J Balvin and Jessica Simpson, who reminisced on opening for Martin on his 1999 "Livin' la Vida Loca" tour.
The Puerto Rican singer-songwriter dedicated the golden moon person statue to his kids, Valentino, Matteo, Lucia, and Renn: "Everything I do, I do with you in my mind and my heart."
His children, twins Valentino and Matteo, as well as Lucia and Renn, are from his previous marriage with Syrian-Swedish artist Jwan Yosef. The couple announced their divorce back in 2023.
Ricky Martin: 'I am addicted to your applause'
Martin also acknowledged his fans worldwide for their support of his decades-long career.
"This is very simple. This is for you all," he said. "I am addicted to your applause. That's why I keep coming back. It's you not only here in America, but all over the world. Thank you so much because it's been 40 years."
He reminisced on his career beginnings, adding that he "started when I was a baby, and we're still here. We just want to unite countries, we just want to break boundaries. We just want to keep music alive."
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Before his speech, the Latin singer hit the stage with an explosive, dance-filled performance of some of his smash hits, including "Vente Pa’ Ca," "Maria" and "La Copa de La Vida."
Stylish as ever in a black outfit and stark white blazer, Martin, sporting close-cropped hair and a goatee, also swiveled his unstoppable hips through his timeless "Livin' La Vida Loca."
Twenty-six years ago, Martin made history as the first male Latin artist to be nominated for and to win best pop video for "Livin' la Vida Loca."
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Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].
Contributing: Melissa Ruggieri