TORONTO -- Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Alessia Cara is heading into this year's Juno Awards as the host and top nominee.

Organizers announced this morning that Cara will helm the show, which will air on CBC from the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon on March 15.

The 23-year-old from Brampton, Ont., also leads the show with six nominations.

Cara is competing in several of the key categories including album of the year for her sophomore effort "The Pains of Growing"; artist of the year; and single of the year for "Out of Love."

She's also nominated for pop album of the year, songwriter of the year and the Juno Fan Choice honour.

Performers at the 49th Juno Awards will include Daniel Caesar, Lennon Stella, the Glorious Sons and Tory Lanez.

Lanez is another top contender with five nominations, including rap recording of the year for "Freaky," and Juno Fan Choice.

The Toronto rapper is also among the acts up for artist of the year, alongside Bryan Adams, Jessie Reyez, and Shawn Mendes.

Honourees at the show will include singer Jann Arden, who will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

"For those of you who were hoping it was someone else like Shawn Mendes, I'm sorry, it is me, you're stuck with me," Cara said jokingly after being announced as Junos host at Tuesday's press conference at CBC's Toronto headquarters.

"I'm so excited to be a part of Canada's biggest night in music in this way. This is the first time I've been the sole host of anything, so I hope I don't disappoint.

"My first reaction was, 'Why?' And then my second was, 'No way.' And then my third was obviously 'Yes,' because I'm here. I'm super excited. Thank you to everyone who decided that I can do this."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 28, 2020.