SESAC honored songwriters and publishers at its annual Nashville Music Awards on Sunday night (November 16), celebrating the most-performed country and Americana songs with over 500 industry creatives in attendance at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Highlights included performances by Stephen Wilson, Jr., Emily Ann Roberts, and Megan Moroney, who played her new single, “Beautiful Things.” Moroney’s track “Am I Okay?” won Song of the Year, while the 28-year-old country star was also honored for writing, publishing and performing the tune, while also receiving accolades for her work on the song “Break It Right Back.” Michael Tyler was named Songwriter of the Year, receiving a custom Gibson guitar, while Warner Chappell Music was honored as Publisher of the Year for the fifth time in eight years. The event also featured tributes to Jim Lauderdale and Steve Bogard on their recent inductions into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, while Kelsea Ballerini honored her longtime co-writer and producer Alysa Vanderheym for her work on the song “Baggage,” from Ballerini’s current Grammy-nominated album, Patterns. (Billboard)