Liza Minnelli to Present Jackson with the 2025 Icon of the Year Award
The Gala of the Stars, an annual benefit supporting Dancers Against Cancer (DAC), will award global icon Janet Jackson with the 2025 Icon of the Year Award, presented to by Liza Minnelli. The 2025 Icon Award recognizes Jackson’s unmatched influence on music, dance, and culture, as well as her continued advocacy for compassion, empowerment, and artistic excellence.
The annual Gala of the Stars will be held on Tuesday, October 21st, at The Beverly Hilton. The gala brings together the worlds of dance, music, and entertainment to celebrate artistry and raise critical funds for Dancers Against Cancer, a nonprofit organization providing financial assistance, emotional support, and community resources to dancers, choreographers, and their families affected by cancer.
Hosted by Maks Chmerkovskiy, the black-tie evening will feature an all-star lineup of honorees and live performances, special tributes, and surprise appearances. The 2025 Gala promises to be a defining moment in dance and entertainment, a night that honors resilience, creativity, and the unifying power of art.
“Janet Jackson represents everything this award stands for – strength, innovation, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to artistic integrity,” says Adrian Ruiz, President of the Gala of the Stars and Dancers Against Cancer. “Her influence transcends generations. Honoring her at this year’s Gala not only celebrates her legacy but also her enduring impact on the dance community and the power of using art for good.”
“Janet’s artistry has inspired millions, including countless dancers who found their voice through movement because of her,” adds Noah Lands, CEO and Executive Producer of the Gala of the Stars and Dancers Against Cancer. “This award is a tribute to a true visionary whose work embodies the soul of performance and the heart of philanthropy.”
Jackson’s career spans five decades of groundbreaking achievements that have shaped the cultural landscape. With over 180 million records sold worldwide, five Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and dozens of American Music Awards and MTV honors, she remains one of the most influential entertainers of all time. Her fearless artistry, iconic choreography, and social consciousness have inspired generations of performers.
In addition to her monumental career in music, film, and philanthropy, Jackson continues to captivate audiences globally with her Las Vegas residency, Janet Jackson: Las Vegas, and her record-breaking Together Again Tour, which became her highest-grossing tour to date. Her legacy in dance — from the unmistakable choreography of Rhythm Nation to the bold visuals of All for You — has left an indelible mark on the world of performance art.
The Gala of the Stars serves as the flagship fundraising event for Dancers Against Cancer, which, since its founding, has distributed millions of dollars in financial aid to members of the dance community facing life-threatening illness. Funds raised during the evening directly support DAC’s mission to ensure that no dancer battles cancer alone.
