All you need to know about the 2025 MTV VMAs performers and nominees

Ricky Martin is set to make history at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, becoming the first-ever recipient of the Latin Icon Award.

The global superstar will also return to the stage for a special performance, marking a milestone moment in his decades-long career.

The honor comes 26 years after Martin’s unforgettable impact at the 1999 MTV VMAs, when he performed “Livin’ la Vida Loca” and became the first male Latin artist to win Best Pop Video. That night, he collected five awards in total, establishing himself as a pioneer who opened doors for Latin music on the global stage.

Over the years, Martin has expanded his sound across Latin pop, dance, reggaeton, and salsa. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he began his career in commercials and later rose to fame as part of the boy band Menudo before achieving worldwide success as a solo artist.

The 2025 MTV VMAs will broadcast live on September 7 from New York’s UBS Arena, airing on CBS across all U.S. time zones at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. This year’s nominations are led by Lady Gaga with 12, followed by Bruno Mars with 11, Kendrick Lamar with 10, Sabrina Carpenter and Rosé with eight each, and Ariana Grande and The Weeknd with seven apiece.

With Ricky Martin’s historic recognition and a star-studded lineup of performers and nominees, the 2025 VMAs promise to celebrate both music legends and the industry’s biggest current stars.