When we solicited readers to review the Jonas Brothers' concert in Raleigh, we figured we might get a few dozen responses from their most ardent fans in the Triangle. That just goes to show that, even though we knew the Jonas Brothers are a huge phenomenon, we clearly underestimated just how huge a phenomenon they are.

We received more than 400 entries, and not just from North Carolina or even the Eastern United States -- or even this hemisphere. Entries came from as far away as Malaysia, and they spanned the gamut from amusingly star-struck to heartbreaking.

If it were up to us, we'd give out tickets to everybody who entered. But since we had only one pair of tickets to award, narrowing it down wasn't easy.

So in addition to the winning essay, we're printing the runner-up entries; and excerpts from some of the honorable mentions. The winning entrant's concert review will run in the Sunday, Aug. 3, Arts & Living section.

Thanks to all who entered -- and keep the faith.

Get $150+ in coupons in every Sunday N&O. Click here for convenient home delivery.