The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards are almost here, airing September 7th, and thankfully, we have some Latino representation. From reggaetón superstars to indie newcomers, this year’s nominees give a glimpse of how Latin talent is being embraced.
Leading the way is Bruno Mars (Puerto Rican roots), who has a whopping 11 nominations and is the most-nominated male artist of the year. He has two songs up for Video of the Year: "Die with a Smile" with Lady Gaga and "APT" with "ROSÉ." The songs are also up for Song of the Year, Best Collaboration, Best Pop, and more.
Bad Bunny (Puerto Rico), who has been making headlines with his No Me Quiero Ir de Aquí Puerto Rican residency, scored four nominations, including Artist of the Year, Best Album for DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, and Best Long Form Video for his short film. He’s also up for Best Latin with “BAILE INoLVIDABLE.”
There is only one category dedicated to Latin music, the "Best Latin category," so of course, it has all the heavy hitters. The lineup represents reggaetón, regional Mexican, bachata, and Latin pop.
Alongside Bunny is J Balvin (Colombia) with “Rio”, Karol G (Colombia) with “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”, Peso Pluma (Mexico) with “LA PATRULLA”, Rauw Alejandro (Puerto Rico) and Romeo Santos (Dominican-American) with “Khé?”, and Shakira (Colombia) with “Soltera.”
Selena Gomez (Mexican-American) is showing her crossover power with two nominations outside the Latin categories: Best Collaboration with benny blanco (“Sunset Blvd”) and Video for Good (“Younger and Hotter Than Me”). Mariah Carey (Venezuelan roots) is also nominated for Best R&B ("Type Dangerous")
Gigi Perez (Dominican roots) is up for Best New Artist and Best Alternative with “Sailor Song.” And The Marías (fronted by Puerto Rican singer María Zardoya) are also nominated in both categories with “Back to Me.” Their nominations show how Latin names are being welcomed in the alternative and indie spaces as well.
Breakdown of Latino nominees:
- Bruno Mars: Best Visual Effects, Best Art Direction, Best Direction, Best Collaboration, Best Pop, Song of the Year
- Bad Bunny – Artist of the Year, Best Album, Best Long Form Video, Best Latin
- J Balvin – Best Latin
- Karol G – Best Latin
- Peso Pluma – Best Latin
- Rauw Alejandro & Romeo Santos – Best Latin
- Shakira – Best Latin
- Selena Gomez – Best Collaboration, Video for Good
- Gigi Perez – Best New Artist, Best Alternative
- The Marías – Best New Artist, Best Alternative
- Mariah Carey – Best R&B
Ricky Martin’s historic honor
There is another exciting moment happening when it comes to Latin voices, because the VMAs are also celebrating a pioneer. For the first time, the show will present a Latin Icon Award, and it’s going to Puerto Rican superstar Ricky Martin.
His 1999 smash “Livin’ La Vida Loca” earned nine nominations and five wins, making him the first Latin artist in history to be nominated for Video of the Year.
More than two decades later, Martin, the 53-year-old legend, will return to the VMA stage to accept the honor and perform.
Other Latinos performing?
MTV announced the first round of performers, and J Balvin will be taking the stage, performing his track “Zun Zun” alongside Justin Quiles and Lenny Tavárez. He's then teaming up with DJ Snake for the live premiere of their collab “Noventa.”
Balvin is a 13-time nominee and could make history as the winningest Latin artist in VMAs history if he takes home his sixth Moon Person.
We will have to wait and see if more Latinos are announced in the second round of the list of performers.