On October 21, 2025, Maksim Chmerkovskiy hosted the Dancers Against Cancer Gala of the Stars, where Janet Jackson was presented with the Icon Award.
Maksim, who was a pro dancer on the cast of “Dancing With the Stars” for 17 seasons, was joined at the event by his longtime costar Derek Hough, who recently shared a sweet video of himself playing the piano to his wife Hayley Erbert’s baby bump. Fellow pro dancer Jenna Dewan, who has danced backup for Jackson and is known for playing Nora Clark in “Step Up,” also attended.
Bustle says Maksim initially announced his retirement as a “DWTS” ballroom pro after winning with Olympic gold medal-winning ice dancer Meryl Davis in 2014, but returned for one more season before departing for good in 2017. His brother Val still competes on the show, and is currently paired with TikTok influencer Alix Earle for season 34.
Variety says Maksim joked while hosting, “I don’t know why they would have me two years in a row; someone must have said no to them. Last year, I didn’t get to do anything fun. I just stood here, I presented, I worked, and I left because Peta was pregnant with our 17th child.”
Maksim Chmerkovskiy Hosted the Dancers Against Cancer Gala For the Second Time
The Hollywood Reporter says Maksim joked while hosting, “I don’t know why they would have me two years in a row; someone must have said no to them. Last year, I didn’t get to do anything fun. I just stood here, I presented, I worked, and I left because Peta was pregnant with our 17th child.”
People says Maksim married his longtime “Dancing With the Stars” costar Peta Murgatroyd in 2017. The couple shares three sons.
Janet Jackson Spoke About Her Love Of Dance
While accepting her Icon Award, which was presented by Liza Minnelli, The Hollywood Reporter says Jackson told the crowd, “This award is so important to me, and to be able to give it to someone who I admire and love and always will.” Minnelli, 79, is best known for her role as Sally Bowles in 1972’s “Cabaret” as well as her unforgettable stage performance in the 1970 television special “Liza With a ‘Z.'”
Jackson’s speech went on, “I love dance. I’ve always loved dance, and I remember, since I was five or six years old, always dancing with my brothers around the house. They were my first teachers and choreographers.”
Jackson shared a few glamorous snaps from the event on her Instagram, revealing she wore a Tom Ford dress with Louboutin boots.
