Comic Russell Peters tapped for second Junos hosting gig

Although he once joked that he'd never watched the Juno Awards before being named host of the prominent Canadian music prize broadcast, Russell Peters has snagged the gig for a second time.

The popular comedian has agreed to host the 2009 Juno Awards broadcast on March 29 in Vancouver, organizers announced Tuesday evening.

"I had a great time hosting the 2008 show," Peters said in a statement. "Let this love affair continue."

Before this year's Juno Awards, the hit comedian quipped to reporters that he'd never seen the annual musical broadcast and said he wasn't incredibly familiar with Canadian music.

Peters, known for his ethnically inspired comedy, also joked: "This is the first time they've let a non-white host the Junos.... I hope to make it different. Like entertaining."

Nevertheless, his turn at the microphone in Calgary in April was a success: last month, he picked up a Gemini Award for the hosting gig.

Peters, originally from Brampton, Ont., has travelled around the globe for his standup comedy career, selling out New York's Madison Square Garden as well as venues across Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Australia and in Asia.

In 2009, he will mark his 20th anniversary in the business with a new tour.