Missy Elliott To Receive Icon Award At Gala Of The Stars

Missy Elliott To Receive Icon Award At Gala Of The Stars

Missy Elliott will receive the Icon Award at this year’s Gala of the Stars, an annual benefit supporting Dancers Against Cancer, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles on 22 October 2026. Janet Jackson, who received the award last year, will present the honour.

The four-time Grammy winner is being recognised for her influential career as a rapper, songwriter and performer. Elliott became the first female hip-hop artist inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the first female rapper inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Missy Elliott Recognised For Her Influence On Music

Noah Lands, executive producer of the Gala of the Stars, praised Elliott’s contribution to music and performance.

“Missy Elliott represents everything the Icon Award celebrates,”

Lands said in a statement.

“Her groundbreaking artistry has inspired generations of performers, and having Janet Jackson, last year’s honoree, present her with this award makes the moment even more special.”

Elliott, known for hits including “Work It”, has built a career spanning music, songwriting and visual performance, establishing herself as one of hip-hop’s most recognised artists.

Toni Basil And Vincent Paterson Among Other Honourees

This year’s gala will also recognise dancer and choreographer Toni Basil with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Basil topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982 with her hit “Mickey”.

Director and choreographer Vincent Paterson will receive the Vanguard Award, while Paula Abdul will present the Paula Abdul Legacy Award. The recipient of that honour has yet to be announced.

Dancer and television personality Maksim Chmerkovskiy will host the event, which raises support for Dancers Against Cancer.