From historic career honors to tonight’s biggest upsets, discover every artist who took home a ‘Moon Person’ in our official breakdown for entertainment fans.
The MTV Video Music Awards have always been a stage for the unpredictable, a cultural flashpoint where music, fashion, and raw performance collide. Decades afterRicky Martin set the 1999 VMAs ablaze with “Livin’ la Vida Loca,” an iconic performance that is credited with launching the “Latin Pop Explosion,” the superstar once again commanded the spotlight. In 2025, the VMAs’ relevance isn’t just about who won Video of the Year; it’s about celebrating the trailblazers who paved the way. This year, the ceremony honored legacy and welcomed the new guard in equal measure.
For you, the dedicated entertainment follower, this article isn’t just a list. It’s your all-access pass to the night’s most pivotal moments, a complete record of every winner, and a deep dive into the highlights—fromRicky Martin’s heartfelt Vanguard Award acceptance speech to the fan-voted categories that shocked the world.
A Tribute to a Trailblazer: Ricky Martin Accepts the Video Vanguard Award
The emotional core of the 2024 VMAs was the celebration of an international icon.Ricky Martin was honored with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, a distinction reserved for artists who have had a profound impact on the music video landscape.
Introduced by a montage of his groundbreaking videos—from “She Bangs” to “La Copa de la Vida”—and a heartfelt speech by fellow Latin superstar Bad Bunny, the moment was electric. Martin took the stage to a thunderous standing ovation, delivering a powerful acceptance speech that touched on his journey, his advocacy work through the Ricky Martin Foundation, and the importance of representation.
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Key Speech Quote:Â “This award is for every kid in a small town who feels unseen. Your rhythm, your story, your music matters. Never stop dancing, never stop dreaming.”
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Performance: He followed the speech with a breath taking medley of his greatest hits, proving that his legendary charisma and stage presence are as potent as ever. This wasn’t just a nostalgia act; it was a masterclass.
This honor placesRicky Martin in an elite circle of past recipients, including Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, and Missy Elliott.
💡Quick Poll:
Who gave the best performance of the night?
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Taylor Swift
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Sabrina Carpenter
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Chappell Roan
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Ricky Martin (Vanguard Medley)
The Complete 2024 MTV VMAs Winners List
Here is the official list of every artist and creator who took home a Moon Person at this year’s ceremony.
Main Categories
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VIDEO OF THE YEAR: Taylor Swift – “Fortnight” (feat. Post Malone)
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ARTIST OF THE YEAR:Â Taylor Swift
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SONG OF THE YEAR: Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
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BEST NEW ARTIST:Â Chappell Roan
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PUSH PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR:Â Benson Boone
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BEST COLLABORATION: Taylor Swift ft. Post Malone – “Fortnight”
Genre-Specific Categories
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BEST POP:Â Taylor Swift
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BEST HIP-HOP: Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
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BEST ROCK: Lenny Kravitz – “Human”
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BEST ALTERNATIVE: Benson Boone – “Beautiful Things”
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BEST K-POP:Â Lisa
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BEST LATIN: Anitta – “Mil Veces”
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BEST AFROBEATS: Tyla – “Water”
Mid-article CTA:Â Who do you think was the biggest snub of the night?Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Professional & Technical Categories
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BEST DIRECTION:Â Taylor Swift for “Fortnight” (feat. Post Malone)
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BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY: Post Malone ft. Morgan Wallen – “I Had Some Help”
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BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Megan Thee Stallion – “BOA”
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BEST CHOREOGRAPHY: Dua Lipa – “Houdini”
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BEST ART DIRECTION: Sabrina Carpenter – “Espresso”
For the official rules and further details on the voting process, you can visit theofficial MTV VMA page directly. As reported byBillboard, Taylor Swift’s wins tonight broke several long-standing VMA records.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ricky Martin at the VMAs
What are Ricky Martin’s most famous VMA moments?
Ricky Martin's most famous VMA moment is his explosive 1999 performance of "Livin' la Vida Loca." In 2024, his acceptance of the Video Vanguard Award and subsequent career-spanning medley performance became another historic moment.
How many VMAs has Ricky Martin won in his career?
Throughout his career,Ricky Martin has won several VMAs, including awards for Best Pop Video and Best Dance Video. His 2024 Video Vanguard Award is a special, non-competitive honor celebrating his entire body of work.
Who introduced Ricky Martin for his Vanguard Award?
At the 2024 VMAs, fellow global superstar and Latin artist Bad Bunny introducedRicky Martin, citing him as a primary inspiration for his own career.
Is Ricky Martin still making music in 2024?
Yes,Ricky Martin is actively touring and releasing new music. His VMA honor celebrates both his historical impact and his continued relevance in the global music scene.
The 2024 MTV VMAs were a perfect blend of honoring legends and celebrating the current titans of the industry. The night belonged to bothRicky Martin, who received a long-overdue honor for his monumental career, and Taylor Swift, who continued her historic run of critical and commercial success.
From electrifying performances to heartfelt speeches, the event delivered on its promise of unforgettable moments. You now have the complete list of winners and the stories behind the night’s biggest headlines.
Now it’s your turn. What was your favourite moment from the show? Let us know in the comments, share this list with a fellow music fan, and subscribe for more in-depth entertainment coverage!
The AJH World editorial team consists of seasoned entertainment journalists and pop culture experts dedicated to bringing you accurate, insightful, and engaging content. We live and breathe music, film, and television, ensuring every article is crafted with E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness).