Missy Elliott to Be Honored at Dancers Against Cancer’s Gala of the Stars

Dancers Against Cancer’s annual Gala of the Stars benefit will recognize Missy Elliott with the Icon Awards at this year’s event, the organization announced on Thursday.

Janet Jackson, who received the Icon honor in 2025, will return to present Elliott with the award in honor of her contributions to music, dance and entertainment. The starry evening is set for Oct. 22 at the Beverly Hilton and will support DAC, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to dancers, dance educators and their families impacted by cancer.

“Missy Elliott represents everything the Icon Award celebrates. 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,” said Noah Lands, CEO of Dancers Against Cancer and executive producer of the Gala of the Stars, said in a statement. “We’re also excited to recognize Toni Basil and Vincent Paterson for their extraordinary contributions to dance and entertainment, and to welcome Paula Abdul and Anita Mann back to the gala.”

Dancer and choreographer Basil will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Mann, and director and choreographer Paterson will be honored with the Vanguard Award, presented by Julie McDonald and Tony Selznick. Abdul will present the Paula Abdul Legacy Award (with the recipient to be announced) and Dancing With the Stars alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy will once again serve as host for the evening.

The black-tie gala will feature dinner, an awards ceremony and live entertainment, including a special performance by Chloé Arnold’s female tap group Syncopated Ladies. Liza Minnelli will serve as honorary chair, alongside the Gala of the Stars Committee that includes Mann, McDonald, NappyTabs, Tori Spelling and William Seely.