Missy Elliott Tells Dancers They’re Artists As Cancer Gala Raises Over $760K

Missy Elliott put dancers at the center of her Icon Award speech earlier this week, calling them artists rather than stage props.

The rapper accepted the honor at the October 22 Gala of the Stars at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California. The benefit raised more than $760,000 for Dancers Against Cancer, organizers said in a release.

Janet Jackson, who received the same honor in 2025, presented Missy with the award. Missy’s acceptance speech focused on the work that dancers bring to an artist’s show.

“Dancers are not just props on a stage behind artists. What y’all give is energy, emotion, expression, excitement, entertainment to an artist’s show. You bring life to an artist’s lyrics on that stage. Y’all are artists too! Because it takes incredible skill, dedication, discipline, practice and passion to do what you do,” Missy said.

Jackson’s presentation touched on that same bond between the music and the people who bring it to the stage.

“Missy Elliott helped make dancers impossible to ignore,” Jackson said. She credited Missy with elevating choreography and encouraging dancers to embrace their individuality.

At Thursday’s gala, Anthony Kanec performed a dance tribute to Missy. Maks Chmerkovskiy hosted the benefit, which also honored Toni Basil with its Lifetime Achievement Award and Vincent Paterson with its Vanguard Award.

Paula Abdul presented the Paula Abdul Legacy Award in a posthumous tribute to Chita Rivera. Hilaria Baldwin received the Philanthropist of the Year Award.

Organizers said the money raised would help dancers, choreographers, educators, and their families affected by cancer.