LADY Gaga and Missy Elliott were in tears Friday as they discussed the struggles they faced in their careers at an event honoring women in the music industry.

    Gaga was named Billboard’s woman of the year, while Elliott - who has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years, save for a surprise Super Bowl appearance, but returned last month with a new single — was dubbed innovator of the year.

    Loretta Lynn, Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, Brittany Howard of Alabama Shakes, Lana Del Rey, girl group Fifth Harmony, pop singer Tori Kelly and country singer Kelsea Ballerini were also honored at the event, along with 50 female music executives. Gaga — who earned a Grammy nomination Monday and a Golden Globe nod Thursday — grew emotional onstage when she spoke about her struggles to find her voice in the industry.

    “It’s really hard sometimes for women in music. It’s like a (expletive) boys club we can’t get into. Sorry grandma,” she said. “I’ve tried for so long. I just wanted to be taken seriously as a musician.”

    Elliott, too, was emotional in a 6-minute speech that earned a standing ovation louder than any other Friday afternoon. The rapper, who recently returned with the single “WTF (Where They From)” after years away from the spotlight, cried throughout her speech.

    She also thanked Janet Jackson for being a dependable friend and paid tribute to her late friend, R&B singer Aaliyah.

    Billboard’s event also gave the leading ladies a chance to celebrate their Grammy nominations, which were announced Monday.

    While Gaga earned a Grammy nod for best song written for visual media for “Til It Happens To You” — from the sexual assault documentary “The Hunting Ground” — she was also rejoicing because of her Golden Globe nomination for acting.

    Alabama Shakes earned four Grammy nominations, including album of the year and best alternative music album for “Sound & Color” as well as best rock performance and rock song for “Don’t Wanna Fight.”(SD-Agencies)