Leonard Cohen wins Juno Award for songwriter of the year

REGINA – Legendary Montreal troubadour Leonard Cohen is a double Juno Award winner, taking the trophy for songwriter of the year minutes after the Prairie party kicked off with a monologue from host Michael Buble.

The 78-year-old now has five Juno Awards to his name over his lengthy career, the latest coming after the release of his platinum-selling latest album “Old Ideas.”

Buble opened the show with a self-deprecating pre-taped bit in which a series of celebs — including Kelly Ripa, Dr. Phil, Gerard Butler and past host Russell Peters — doubted Buble’s ability to host the show.

In his monologue, Buble poked fun at the host town of Regina and tossed a barb Justin Bieber’s way.

Meanwhile, Serena Ryder of Millbrook, Ont., put in a fierce performance of her gold-selling new single “Stompa.”

She’s nominated for adult alternative album of the year later in the night.

Others expected to perform include Metric, Billy Talent, Marianas Trench and Carly Rae Jepsen.

Cohen won artist of the year at a dinner gala Saturday night where Jepsen won pop album of the year. She still holds three more nominations to be contested during Sunday’s telecast.