Missy Elliott Lands Icon Award With Janet Jackson Doing The Honors

Elliott has described the moment with a laugh. "Oh my God, why didn't you tell me? I just hung up on her!" she said. That disbelief turned into a friendship that lasted far longer than their work together. Reports indicate the two collaborated in 2015 on "BURNITUP!"

In June 2022, Elliott said Jackson flew from London to spend two days with her. The visit came after the two talked about how much Elliott had missed seeing friends during the pandemic. They spent the time laughing together, a break Elliott said she needed.

Dance has always been part of how Elliott brought her records to life. At the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards, she rebuilt several of her best-known video worlds in a medley. Alyson Stoner returned to perform the "Work It" choreography she danced in the original video, and Jackson was among the artists who contributed tributes that night. Coverage credits Elliott's songs, including "Work It" and "Get Ur Freak On," with shaping both music and dance culture through their visuals and choreography.

The rest of the gala lineup carries its own dance and chart history. Toni Basil, a dancer and choreographer, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Anita Mann. Basil topped the Hot 100 in 1982 with "Mickey." Vincent Paterson, a director and choreographer, will receive the Vanguard Award, presented by Julie McDonald and Tony Selznick. Paula Abdul, who had six No. 1 Hot 100 hits between 1989 and 1991, will present the Paula Abdul Legacy Award, and the recipient has not yet been announced.

Maksim Chmerkovskiy, a Dancing With the Stars alum, will host the evening. Chloe Arnold's Syncopated Ladies, an all-female tap group, will perform, including a number featuring Abdul's "Straight Up," her first No. 1 on the Hot 100 in 1989. Liza Minnelli, a past honoree, will serve as honorary chair.

Noah Lands, the charity's CEO and the gala's executive producer, gave the only official statement found in the coverage. "Missy Elliott represents everything the Icon Award celebrates," he said. "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." In the same announcement, Lands said the group was excited to recognize Basil and Paterson and to welcome Abdul and Mann back to the gala. No other public reactions from artists or organizations to Elliott's award had surfaced at the time of the announcement.

The story matters because it connects a hip-hop pioneer's influence on music and dance to a fundraising effort for dancers facing cancer. It also puts a personal friendship at the center of a public honor, which is something fans of both artists have followed for years. Coverage from major entertainment outlets and smaller publications landed within the same 24-hour window, which shows how quickly the news spread.

The next thing to watch is the October 22 gala at the Beverly Hilton. Elliott's award, the tribute to Basil and Paterson, and the performances from Syncopated Ladies will all be on the same night, with Jackson on stage to present the honor to Elliott.