Ricky Martin: Ricky Martin Live 2025, Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, November 1st 2025 – Live Review

Just earlier in September this year, Ricky Martin won the first ever the Latin Icon Award at the 2025 MTV VMAs (Video Music Awards) in celebration of him being one of Latin music’s pioneers and in recognition for his over 40 years in the music industry.

It’s been a decade since the Latin global sensation performed in Australia, and in a visit that’s long overdue, Ricky Martin graced the Melbourne stage in his first of two Melbourne shows at the iconic Rod Laver Arena. His performance also marked the very first concert of his Ricky Martin Live 2025 Australian tour.

Admittedly, despite Martin’s past visits to our country, this Melbourne concert was my first time seeing Ricky Martin live on stage and he did not disappoint. In a stunning introduction with no less than a 9-piece band including a horn section and 7 dancers, Ricky Martin materialised to a cheering Melbourne audience, equipped with his strong vocals, his infectious and wide beaming smile, and his vibrant music catalogue.

Kickstarting with ‘Pégate’, it wasn’t long before everyone was up on their feet and dancing to pop hit ‘María’ (literally the second song in the setlist). With a healthy mix of Spanish, English and Spanglish tunes, Ricky Martin stated that if you know the lyrics, to please sing along. And if you don’t – it’s all about the feeling.

The gorgeous ballad ‘Vuelve’, had Martin accompanied by a musician on the Spanish guitar, and the song inspired patrons to joyfully wave their phone lights in the air to make pretty manmade fireflies, which magically lit up the Melbourne arena.

Continuing with the romantic slow numbers, Ricky Martin performed ‘She’s All I Ever Had’ and the Christina Aguilera collab hit ‘Nobody Wants to Be Lonely’. I must confess, I hadn’t listened to either of two songs in years, and yet when they were played, I was surprised with myself on how I was singing along to them and knew every word. But that is the power of Ricky Martin’s music – it just stays with you.

In this visually spectacular and high energy concert, all the hits were there, including ‘Shake Your Bon Bon’, ‘She Bangs’, ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’, and ‘The Cup of Life/La Copa de la Vida’, however my favourite moment of the night was when Ricky Martin had everyone up and dancing, with specific dance moves. Under his clear instructions, everyone was to follow his choreography which was easy to pick up. Soon enough, everyone was vibing and dancing along to ‘Por Arriba, Por Abajo’. It was so much fun to witness and be a part of! You just had to be there!

Ricky Martin was incredibly interactive with his Melbourne audience too, even happily pointing out the flags that he found in the crowd, with patrons flying in from all over world to see him perform, including from his home country Puerto Rico, Mexico, Chile, Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and even Canada!

Something I rarely share, but my grandfather was Spanish, so Ricky Martin’s concert felt like a gift, helping me get in touch with my Spanish roots. However, it didn’t matter on whether you understood Spanish or not, music is a universal language, and Ricky Martin gave his Melbourne audience everything, leaving his heart and soul on the stage for all to see. It helps that he can still dance and sing, with excellent dancing skills, although I never doubted him for a second.

Ricky Martin’s show didn’t feel like just a concert, it was a community, a blissful celebration of love, live music (Latin music, specifically) and life. Plus, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone not smiling after seeing his performance. Not only did Martin and his talented team look like they were genuinely happy to be up there on stage and sharing the room with us, but seriously, this show is the most carefree and fun concert I’ve experienced in years. There’s truly nothing like a Ricky Martin concert, and his music will stay with you long after the party is over.

Proudly presented by TEG Danity, Ricky Martin’s Australian tour of Ricky Martin Live 2025 is currently playing in Melbourne with the first concert on Saturday November 1st and the second tonight on Sunday the 2nd of November at the iconic Rod Laver Arena. The tour then heads to Brisbane’s Brisbane Entertainment Centre on November 6th before visiting Canberra’s GIO Stadium on November 8th. The tour will conclude in Sydney on November 10th at Qudos Bank Arena. Melbourne is the only city to have had two shows on this Australian tour.

For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://www.tegdainty.com/tour/rickymartin
https://www.rickymartinmusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/tegdainty
https://www.instagram.com/ricky_martin

Photography by Grant Alexander.