Shawna Cain took home the top prize in Christian music at the 2021 Junos Opening Night Awards Friday evening.

The winner for the Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year was announced around 8:30 p.m. Friday, two days ahead of the official 2021 Junos ceremony.

"Thank God, I thank Jesus Christ for everything from the lyrics to the recording to the mixing," Cain says in her acceptance speech after a smattering of applause over video call from her fellow category nominees.

The Brampton, Ontario singer/songwriter won for her debut EP, "The Way." Cain's music is described as "infused with R&B, trap, jazz, hip hop, and reggae styles with a message from above," according to her website.

"Speaking words of life is the passion and purpose," Cain wrote on Facebook after receiving her initial nomination.

Nominees in the category included Allen Froese ("All Things New"), K-Anthony ("The Cure"), Matt Maher ("Alive & Breathing"), and Steve Bell ("Wouldn't You Like to Know").

William Prince's "Reliever" has also been also nominated for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year.

Bell and Prince are both Manitoba artists.

The 50th annual Juno awards were live-streamed this year, the second time no in-person ceremonies were held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2021 Juno Awards will take place on Sunday, June 6 at 7 p.m. Central.

Justin Bieber, who has been outspoken about his Christian faith in recent years, has also received two nominations and will perform during Sunday's ceremony.