Missy Elliott rocks a sequin pantsuit for the “Kennedy Center Honors” special.

Missy Elliott is bringing a huge dose of ferocity to the 46th Annual Kennedy Center Honors. The legendary rapper, 52, will host the celebration, which will air Dec. 27 on CBS. The “Work It” singer impresses in a black pantsuit and sequin hat as she takes the stage to greet the honoree Queen Latifah. Complete her sparkling look with a necklace with “ICONIC” printed on it.

During her speech, Missy recalls how her friend Queen Latifah, 53, always defended female rappers, even when they were told it was a “man’s world.” Missy adds, “I was saying it unapologetically, changing the narrative right there.”

Queen Latifah and Missy have a long history. They collaborated on the song “Fast Car” in 2009. In 2019, Queen Latifah inducted Missy into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Queen Latifah also inducted Missy into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. She saw Missy become the first female rapper to achieve this prestigious honor.

Queen Latifah is one of the 5 Kennedy Center honorees and surprises with a black and metallic silver dress for the celebration. Other honorees include the comedian Billy Crystalacclaimed soprano Rene FlemingThe member of the Bee Gees. Barry Gibbsand singer Dionne Warwick. Gloria Estefanformer Kennedy Center honoree, presents the Kennedy Center Honors special for the third time.

Missy has undergone a physical transformation over the past 15 years. The “Get Ur Freak On” singer was diagnosed with Graves’ autoimmune disease in 2008 and has lost a significant amount of weight. “It causes hair loss and bulging eyes,” she said. scoreboard in 2015. “My blood pressure has always risen due to overwork.”

Missy’s lifelong friend. Sharaya J. He told the channel: “He started to change his way of life. There were physical changes, severe headaches, extreme weight loss. What does it mean for a person to be a public figure and know that people are watching and judging? “This is a difficult thing.”