BEVERLY HILLS, CA  [Wednesday May.24.2006]  /WMQT.com/ -- Green Day, 50 Cent and Annie Lennox were among the artists honored at this year's ASCAP Pop Awards, held Monday, May 22nd, in Beverly Hills.

During the awards ceremony, which salutes the songwriters behind some of today's most popular music, Green Day was honored with the ASCAP Creative Voice Award. And "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," written by Green Day, tied for Song of the Year with Mariah Carey's "We Belong Together," co-written by Johnta Austin, Jermaine Dupri and Manuel Seal.

For the second time in his career, 50 Cent was named Songwriter of the Year for his contributions to five award-winning songs: "Candy Shop," "Disco Inferno," "Hate It Or Love it," "How We Do" and "Just A Lil Bit."

One highlight of the evening included the presentation of the prestigious ASCAP Founders Award to Annie Lennox. This award is given to songwriters who have made pioneering contributions to music by inspiring and influencing their fellow music creators.

After a video presentation illustrating her extraordinary career, Lennox sat at the piano and performed "A Thousand Beautiful Things" from her solo album Bare, and "Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves," from the Eurythmics' fourth album Be Yourself Tonight. Then, as a special surprise, she invited Eurythmics partner, Dave Stewart, on stage to accompany her on guitar for a stunning performance of "Why."

Other ASCAP Pop Music Award honorees included Joseph Arthur, who was named the 2006 ASCAP College Vanguard Award winner, and EMI, who picked up Publisher of the Year.

Other songwriters to receive multiple awards included 50 Cent; Jermaine Dupri and Sean Garrett; Ciara and Scott Storch; Ryan Cabrera; Destiny's Child's Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams; Dr. Dre; Alicia Keys; The Killers' Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Mark Stoermer and Ronnie Vannucci Jr.; Avril Lavigne; Ludacris; Maroon 5's James Valentine; Missy Elliott; Nelly; Gwen Stefani; and The Game.

For more information on the ASCAP Pop Music Awards, visit www.ascap.com.

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