Missy Elliott is set to receive the Icon Award at this year’s Gala of the Stars, the annual benefit supporting Dancers Against Cancer.
The gong will be presented by last year’s recipient, Janet Jackson.
A four-time Grammy winner, the Work It singer was 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 represents everything the Icon Award celebrates,” Noah Lands, executive producer of the Gala of the Stars, shared 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.”
Elliot was diagnosed with Graves’ disease in 2008, prompting her extended break from the public eye.
The gala will also honour dancer-choreographer Toni Basil (who topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982 with Mickey) with the Lifetime Achievement Award; and director and choreographer Vincent Paterson with the Vanguard Award.
Paula Abdul will present the Paula Abdul Legacy Award, with the recipient still to be announced.
Dancer and television personality Maksim Chmerkovskiy will host the event on 22 October at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
