Missy Elliott Set to Receive Icon Award at Gala of the Stars

Missy Elliott will be honoured with the Icon Award at this year's Gala of the Stars, an annual fundraising event benefiting Dancers Against Cancer.

Janet Jackson, who received the award last year, will present the honour to the rapper.

The four-time Grammy winner, known for her hit Work It, made history as the first female hip-hop artist inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the first female rapper to enter the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

"Missy Elliott represents everything the Icon Award celebrates," said Noah Lands, executive producer of the Gala of the Stars, 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 was diagnosed with Graves' disease in 2008, which led to an extended period away from the public eye.

This year's gala will also recognise dancer and choreographer Toni Basil, who topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982 with Mickey, with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Director and choreographer Vincent Paterson will receive the Vanguard Award.

Paula Abdul will present the Paula Abdul Legacy Award, although the recipient has yet to be announced.

Dancer and television personality Maksim Chmerkovskiy will host the ceremony on 22 October at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.