Ricky Martin was honored with the first-ever Latin Icon Award at the MTV Video Music Awards on September 7. The singer marked the moment with a medley of classics like ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca,’ ‘María,’ and ‘The Cup of Life.’
“Thank you so much, because it’s been 40 years… We just want to unite countries and keep music alive,” Martin told the crowd at UBS Arena in New York. It’s been 26 years since Martin’s breakout hit ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’ swept five VMAs in 1999.
This year’s show also featured Lady Gaga, Doja Cat, Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, Conan Gray, and J Balvin, with Mariah Carey and Busta Rhymes receiving special honors.
The VMAs have offered up some of the most controversial, memorable, and straight-up scandalous moments in pop culture, spanning over 40 years. From Lady Gaga's infamous meat dress to Beyoncé's pregnancy reveal, and Kanye West interrupting Taylor Swift's acceptance speech, the VMAs have seen many unforgettable moments.
Click through the following gallery for a trip down memory lane.