Proud dad alert! While everyone was busy gushing over Ricky Martin during his red carpet appearance ahead of MTV’s VMAs, it’s likely that the father of four was focusing on his speech, and how he would be able send a special message to his four kiddos who were likely watching from home.
In the end, he pulled off a touching tribute to his children—Matteo, Valentino, Lucia, and Renn—who he credited with being part of the driving force that helped him to win the VMAs first ever Latin Icon award. Keep reading to find out what he said and to see a clip from the sweet moment that the 53-year-old went into total dad mode.
Ricky Martin Gave His Kids a Shoutout During VMAs Speech
The beloved performer took the stage on Sept. 7 to accept the inaugural award from Jessica Simpson, according to a clip MTV shared on X. He began the speech by thanking his fans and joking that he was “addicted” to the applause, which is what keeps him going.
Then he began talking about how he first got his start when he was no more than a baby himself, making a joke about how he’s been at it for 40 years. Of course, the touching moment came shortly after that when he called each of his kiddos out by name, telling the audience that the Latin Icon award was dedicated to them.
“Everything I do, I do it with you in my mind and in my heart.”
Meet Ricky Martin’s Four Kids
Martin had previously spoken to Out magazine about his family, explaining how he had always dreamed of having a large family, which proved to be challenging as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
However, he eventually found a way to make it work thanks to a surrogate, who gave birth to the singer’s twin sons Matteo and Valentino in 2008. Then, in 2017, Martin’s family grew once again after he married then-husband Jwan Yosef, and the couple welcomed Lucia and Renn thanks to another surrogate.
According to an interview with People, Martin says both boys are natural caregivers and great big brothers. The singer’s younger two children were born just nine months apart, and they both appear to be very close with their father.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 8, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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