During the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, Ricky Martin and Busta Rhymes will be presented with prestigious accolades.
On Monday (8.18,) it was confirmed that the Puerto Rican superstar singer/songwriter will make history as the first ever artist to receive the ceremony’s Latin Icon Award. And in celebration of his “boundary-breaking cultural impact and indomitable musical career,” iconic rapper/producer Rhymes will be honored with the inaugural MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award.
Martin’s announcement comes 25+ years after the Hispanic musician became the first male Latin artist to win Best Pop Video at the 1999 VMAs. In addition to walking away with the most awards during that night, he further cemented his place in music history when his global hit ‘Livin’ la Vida Loca’ was nominated for Video of the Year, making him the first Latin artist to be nominated in this category.
Born Trevor Smith Jr., Rhymes first appeared at the VMAs in 1997 and has taken to the stage several times since – most recently in 2024 when he was named Global Icon at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs.)
Hosted by LL Cool J at New York’s UBS Arena on September 7, both Ricky and Busta are scheduled to perform at this year’s ceremony along with Sabrina Carpenter, J Balvin, Alex Warren, and Sombr.
Leading the 2025 VMA noms are Lady Gaga (12,) Bruno Mars (11,), and Kendrick Lamar (10,) with all three in contention for the night’s top prize, Video of the Year.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Cristian Castro