Shawn Mendes, Arkells, Jessie Reyez among winners at 2019 Juno Awards

Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlanopened the Juno Awards by championing Canadian music, saying "there's no denying" the country's impact on music worldwide. And the combination of uplifting performances and talented award-winners and nominees drove that point home.

"Music is often that voice of inclusivityand hope,"McLachlan said on stage Sunday at the Budweiser Gardens in London, Ont.

Corey Hart gets standing ovation

The Building a Mysterysongstress also introduced 1980s music sensation Corey Hart, who was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Hart was known for massive hits beginning in 1983such as Sunglasses at Night and It Ain't Enough, following up that success with the 1985 smash record Boy in the Box.

"I've been so blessed to have lived my life with music by my side since I was a little boy," Hart said after accepting the award and receiving a standing ovation."I believe that music and love are the most enduring and powerful forces of good in the world."

While he became a household name with singles such asNever Surrender and Everything in my Heart,Hart stepped away from the spotlight in the late1990sto spend time with his family and help raise his four children.

He said on stage he'll be embarking on a Canadian tour in June and will be recording new music as well.

Sting makes an appearance

In a surprise appearance, Sting, who is in Toronto performing in the musical The Last Ship,also took the stageto introduce world-renowned producer-songwriter David Foster, who spoke to the audience about organ donation. Foster was honoured with this year's humanitarian awardat a gala dinner Saturday night, where the majority of Junos were handed out.

London's own DJ duo Loud Luxury opened the show with a performance of their hit song Body.The pair was joined onstage by Western University's marching band and cheer squad. Loud Luxurywon their first Juno for dance recording on Saturday.

Hart wrapped the show with a performance on the piano of his 1985 hit song Never Surrender followed by thehigh-energy numberSunglasses at Night which had the audience on its feet.

Other performers includedArkells, Bahamas, Jeremy Dutcher, Coeur de Pirate andMcLachlan, whoperformed with folk-rock duo Whitehorse and students from her Vancouver school of music.

Shawn Mendes, Jessie Reyez capture trophies

Shawn Mendes headedinto the night with the most nominationsand the most wins. Mendes took home five trophies in total, including album of the year.The Treat You Bettersingerwon most of hisawards on Saturday during the non-televised ceremony,including artist and single of the year.

He didn't attend the festivities butperformed In My Blood via video from Europe, where he is currently on tour.

Jessie Reyeztook home a Juno for R&B/soul recording with Being Human in Public. In her acceptance speech, Reyezacknowledged the role her fans have played in her growing popularity and encouraged them to follow their dreams.

"None of this is possible without your support," she said on stage."I am you and you are me and if there's one thing that you're chasing, and you're willing to work hard for it, do it."

The fan choice award went toAvril Lavigne, who did not attend the show.

Here are the winners of the six awards handed out at Sunday's show:

• Group of the year: Arkells
• Album of the year:Shawn Mendes, Shawn Mendes
• Breakthrough artist: blow
• R&B/soul recording: JessieReyez,Being Human In Public
• Country album:Brett Kissel,We Were That Song
• Fan choice: Avril Lavigne