Big win for Ricky Martin at 2025 MTV VMAs: This Latin singer's multi-million dollar empire leaves fans astonished

Ricky Martin, the Puerto Rica singer-songwriter, scripted history on the stage of VMAs by being the first recipient of the debut category, ‘Latin Icon Award.’ The "Private Emotion" musician was named the inaugural Latin Icon at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, Sept. 7 at New York's UBS Arena.

"Thank you so much for your love, I don't even know where to start," Martin, 53, said on stage after pal Jessica Simpson presented his award. "This is very simple. This is for you all... I am addicted to your applause," he continued. "That's why I keep coming back. It's you, not only here in America, but all of the world."

Ricky Martin scripts history

Ricky Martin's big night at the 2025 started with a special introduction by J Balvin, who gave a heartfelt speech about the Puerto Rican superstar’s influence and legacy. “Ricky Martin didn’t just set the stage for the Latin takeover, he built it from the ground up,” Balvin said. “He inspired me and so many Latinos. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be here.” Martin delivered an energetic medley of his hit tracks, including "Livin' la Vida Loca," "Pégate," "Shake Your Bon-Bon," "Vente Pa' Ca," "María" and "La Copa de la Vida."

ALSO READ: iPhone 17 Pro Max To iPhone 17 price in US revealed: Apple’s first in-house wi-Fi and Bluetooth chip to debut?

Shortly after this, Ricky Martin was also honoured with the inaugural Latin Icon Award.Martin added: "Thank you so much because it's been 40 years. I 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."

Martin dedicated the award to his four kids, twins Matteo and Valentino, daughter Lucia and son Renn. "Everything I do, I do it with you in my mind and in my heart," he said, before shouting out members of his team.

"And that's it! I love you," Martin concluded.

Ricky Martin's net worth

Ricky Martin, 53, delivered one of the evening’s most memorable moments at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, on Sunday, September 7. Dressed in a sleek black outfit and a white blazer at moments, he energized the crowd at the show with his short hair and facial hair as he swayed his hips, proving to his loyal fans that “Livin’ la Vida Loca” still lives on 26 years later.

ALSO READ: $1.8bn Powerball shock: Rural Texas gas station stuns US after selling one of the largest tickets ever. Check winning numbers

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Ricky Martin has a speculated net worth of $130 million in 2025. His net worth in 2025 includes earnings from his long-standing career as a singer, actor, concerts, and touring, and brand endorsements and sponsorships. Martin, most famous for making Latin Pop music go mainstream especially in the US, has primarily earned from album sales, the revenue earned from streaming his songs, royalties, and concerts and tours.

Notably, the United States of America is the biggest music market in the world. His noughties hits Livin’ la Vida Loca, She Bangs, and La Copa de la Vida (The Cup of Life) catapulted him to global stardom, earning him the moniker “King of Latin Pop”.

Ricky Martin also has a successful acting career, appearing in films and television projects across the United States of America and Latin America. He has also performed voice roles in animated films, especially for Latin American audiences. Other than that, like any other major star, brand endorsements and sponsorships form a chunk of his active income. He has endorsed luxury brands, as well as beauty and FMCG brands.

ALSO READ: Tech layoffs 2025 surge in US: Amazon, Microsoft, Meta slash thousands of jobs. Check full list of companies affected

A singer, actor and a songwriter, Ricky Martin’s career has spanned nearly three decades, during which he has released 10 studio albums. He made his debut with the self-titled album Ricky Martin in 1991 and most recently dropped A Quien Quiera Escuchar in 2015.

In addition to his successful music career, Martin has also built an impressive acting portfolio. He began acting in the Mexican telenovela Alcanzar una estrella II and has since appeared in numerous films and television series. His latest role is in the period comedy-drama series Palm Royale.