ASCAP President and Chairman of the Board Marilyn Bergman with Burt Bacharach and ASCAP Founders Award recipient Elvis Costello.

Sharing the honors for Songwriter of the Year were multi-platinum Hip-Hop recording artist and writer, Nelly, for his winning songs, "Dilemma," Hot In Herre," and "Where The Party At." Co-honoree, Seven, who produced eight number one hit singles in the last year, was honored for his winning songs "Always on Time," "Foolish," and "I'm Real (Murder Remix). Pictured left to right are: ASCAP's Todd Brabec, Seven, ASCAP's Jeanie Weems, and Nelly.

Linda Perry performing the song "Beautiful." Perry took home an award for her song, "Get the Party Started," recorded by Pink.

Puddle of Mudd picks up Song of the Year honors for their hit single, "Blurry." Pictured left to right are Warner/Chappell's Greg Sowders, Puddle of Mudd drummer Greg Upchurch, songwriters Wes Scantlin, Jimmy Allen and Doug Ardito with Warner/Chappell's Rick Shoemaker and ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento.

Solomon Burke was on hand to pay tribute to Elvis Costello.

Songwriters of the Year Nelly and Seven shared a moment backstage with Stevie Wonder, who picked up an award for the song "Livin' It Up."

In celebration of Sammy Cahn's 90th birthday, the ASCAP Foundation Sammy Cahn Award, a cash award for promising lyricists selected from participants in ASCAP songwriter workshops, was presented to 26 year old Josh Ritter. Sammy Cahn's widow Tita Cahn is pictured presenting the award to Ritter.

Publisher of the Year honors went to EMI Music Publishing for the most award-winning songs for 2002 - a total of 23 songs. This is the 9th time that EMI has been named ASCAP Publisher of the Year. Pictured left to right are EMI's Big Jon Platt, Jody Gerson, Alison Witlin/O'Donnell, Matt Messer, Benjamin Groff, Evan Lamberg, Dan McCarrol, Bob Flax, Jake Wisely, Tubby and ASCAP CEO John LoFrumento.

ASCAP Founders Award recipient Elvis Costello delighted the audience with a suprise performance. The band featured Joe Henry on guitar, the Attractions' Pete Thomas on drums, Patrick Warren on piano and David Piltch on bass.