Big win at VMAs: Ricky Martin makes history by bagging first-ever 'Latin Icon Award'

Ricky Martin, the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, created history on the stage of the VMAs by being the first-ever recipient of the debut category, ‘Latin Icon Award.’ Celebrating his contributions to make Latin music mainstream, J Baldwin and Jessica Simpson hailed the artist on Sunday night in New York.

Here’s a closer look at Ricky Martin and his ‘Latin Icon Award.’

J Baldwin appreciates Ricky Martin's contributions

Before receiving the award, J Baldwin introduced Ricky Martin with a heartfelt speech. “Ricky Martin didn’t just set the stage for the Latin music takeover; he had to build it from the ground up in a time where Latin music was almost never played in mainstream radio,” he said, adding that the artist inspired many other performers by breaking the barriers with hit songs. Soon after, the 53-year-old artist entered the stage and celebrated the day by singing ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca,’ the song that led him to 5 VMAs in 1999, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Ricky Martin accepts the debut award, 'Latin Icon Award'

While accepting the award, Martin claimed that he has been making music and performing for 40 years, since he was a child working in the boy band, Menudo. “We just want to unite countries. We just want to break boundaries, and we just want to keep music alive,” he added, according to the Rolling Stone. When he received a round of applause, the singer quickly quipped that he is addicted to it and keeps coming back to hear it.

Jessica Simpson recalls opening for Ricky Martin in her initial days

Jessica Simpson, who presented the award, mentioned that she had opened up for Martin during the tour when she was launching her musical career. “He is my inspiration, one of my idols, and he is still one of the most dynamic performers I know,” she said.