AceShowbiz -

In the event that appreciates the work of songwriters, Jermaine Dupri, Johnta Austin, Kelly Clarkson and Mary J. Blige came out the big champs. Namely ASCAP Pop Music Awards, the event honors musicians for their songwriting contribution to the music industry.

The event that was held April 19 saluted the joint Austin and Dupri with Songwriter of the Year title, thanks to their winning piece "Don't Forget About Us," "Like You," "Shake It Off" and "We Belong Together." Austin personally gained J. Blige-sung "Be Without You" and Chris Brown's hit "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)" while Dupri won for Nelly's "Grillz" and Chingy's "Pullin' Me Back".

The category of Song of the Year was awarded to "Be Without You" and Clarkson-written "Because of You". Clarkson particularly seized ASCAP Pop Award for two songs "Behind These Hazel Eyes" and "Walk Away" that she co-wrote. Pop band The All-American Rejects also came out a winner and took home ASCAP's Vanguard Award. By receiving the title, the band was considered shaping the future of American music through their musical genre. Meanwhile, Publisher of the Year went to EMI Music Publishing that has bagged 26 award-winning songs this year.

For the most prestigious honor, the board members including previous honoree Jackson Browne gladly presented ASCAP Founders Award to Melissa Etheridge for her contributions that influence other musicians. Some of the other winners are Green Day, Timbaland, Beyonce Knowles, Danger Mouse, Sean Garrett, Sean Paul, Rob Thomas and Justin Timberlake. For a more complete set of winners click here.