Missy Elliott Gives Emotional Acceptance Speech for Billboard Women in Music "Innovator" Award

The legendary, Missy Elliott, showed a softer side last week during her 6-minute acceptance speech at the Billboard Women in Music Awards show. After receiving the "Innovator" award, Missy had some moving words to say, recognizing women past and present who have paved the way. She also encouraged everyone listening to continue being creative and to take risks.

Ciara who felt honored to present the award, spoke of Missy as a hero, an icon and a woman who changed the game. After twenty years in the industry and numerous hit albums and singles, fans who tuned in December 18 on Lifetime, saw a new side of Missy 'Misdemeanor' Elliott as she cried tears of joy for the "Innovator" honor.

Thank u all for the love I cried 2night @ the awards because I'm humbled & Blessed 2 still be here I u all! pic.twitter.com/bWh33Ai25y

— Missy Elliott (@MissyElliott) December 19, 2015

Missy started off speaking about her two decades in the business, "First of all, I am so humbly grateful. I've been in this industry for over 20 years, and I stand here for all the women who may have been told 'you don't fit the mold, you're not good enough, you won't make it.' Look at me, I'm here, and I'm standing here for y'all because I see so many powerful women in here."

What may have set the emotional tone for Missy's acceptance speech was long-time friend, Ciara's heartfelt introduction. In which she said about the creative force, Missy is "one of the most influential rap artists and entertainers of all time." Missy, who has achieved more Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 charts than any other female hip hop artist was humbled as she reflected on her long career.

The "WTF" (Where They From?) singer shared the realization that she was an innovator and a visionary when she was child and couldn't stop writing on her mother's walls. She thanked her friends Janet Jackson and Ciara and paid tribute to the late, Aaliyah.

In addition to her lovely introduction, there was a special dance tribute based on a compilation of her songs. See the performance here.

See more of Missy's inspirational words of wisdom below!