Taylor Swift did not need to be present to win. She picked up three honors Thursday night at the Nashville Music Awards, held at the Cannery Ballroom.

Taylor grabbed Artist and Songwriter/Artist of the Year, while Fearless earned Country Album of the Year.

Her wins in absentia were somewhat appropriate. The Nashville Music Awards have been dormant for nine years following a six-year run in the late-1990s.

Liz Rose — co-author of Taylor’s hits “White Horse,” “Picture To Burn” and “You Belong With Me” — nabbed Songwriter of the Year as the city’s country talent collected a bevy of trophies. Lady Antebellum picked up Best New Artist, and Rascal Flatts shared Music Video/Film of the Year with director Shaun Silva for “Here Comes Goodbye.”

Intended to honor Nashville music in all its forms, the event also recognized artists in Christian music, jazz and rock. Rocker Jack White, currently nominated for a CMA Award as a member of the Raconteurs, scored Instrumentalist of the Year. The SteelDrivers’ self-titled CD was awarded Bluegrass Album of the Year, and Sarah Siskind’s Say It Louder claimed Americana Album.

Elvis Costello’s Secret, Profane & Sugarcane also picked up the Made In Music City Award, given to a non-Nashville artist who recorded a project in Tennessee’s capital. Produced by T Bone Burnett, the album employed a number of local musicians during sessions at the Sound Emporium. That studio is rich in country music history, having yielded such essential records as Trisha Yearwood’s “She’s In Love With The Boy,” Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler” and Waylon Jennings’ “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way.”

In other Taylor news, this morning she announced she would extend her FEARLESS tour into 2010, starting “Down Under” in Brisbane, Australia on Feb. 4. She’ll bring it back to North America on Mar. 4 in Tampa, Fla.

“I’m so excited to take the FEARLESS tour back out on the road again in 2010!” says Taylor. “This year’s tour has been so much fun and even more unforgettable than I ever imagined. The fans have been so amazing, and I’m thrilled to play in new cities and see even more of my fans on the 2010 FEARLESS Tour!”

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