Diane Warren and Brandi Carlile are among the nominees participating; Nile Rodgers and Paul Williams will moderate.
The Academy intends to focus on the songwriters this year rather than have performances of their nominated songs.
March 2 show will also bring back the "Fab Five" presenter concept, and salute fire-scarred LA.
Oscar nominations-round voting opened this morning. Many L.A.-based voting members had more pressing concerns.
Members of the music branch will choose the five nominees for best original song from a shortlist of 14 songs, rather than the customary 15.
Among the music-focused films that are M.I.A.: Elton John: Never Too Late, The Greatest Night in Pop and I Am: Celine Dion.
The times, they are a-streamin'.
The projects are vying for nominations in the documentary feature film category.
The "Nonsense" singer gushed over the newly minted Oscar winner in a hilarious Vanity Fair interview.
Billboard was inside Hollywood's Dolby Theater on Sunday night to cover all the Kenergy.
