THE Etana/RETV music video competition came to a close recently and the singer’s handlers are hailing it as a success.

The competition, which featured Etana’s three new videos August Town, Free and Happy Heart, was the first of its kind locally and from what is termed “the overwhelming response”, the competition went over with a bang.

“One of the things that really impressed us was the number of votes we received from throughout the Caribbean,” one of the conceptualisers remarked.

Reports are that the votes are still being tallied, however, excitement is building up for the live finale on February 27 at 5:00 PM, which will feature Etana announcing the winning video and calling the competition’s winners.

“Etana’s fans are on the edges of their seats as they wait to find out if they will be winners of any of the competition’s coveted prizes,” said Etana’s manager, Chin Bourne, of Irish and Chin.

Several times a day, after viewing the three videos, fans were prompted to text in and vote for their favourite video. Their texts/votes were then entered into the respective video’s pot. A lucky winner will be selected from each video pot.

The voter selected from the third favourite video pot will receive an iPod loaded with Etana’s music. Meanwhile, the voter selected from the second video pot will receive a chic Blackberry Curve and finally, the voter selected from the first video pot will receive an ultra savvy 13″ MacBook.

In addition to fans showing their support of Etana’s new videos and music, the prize incentive also played a major role in attracting voters.

“This video competition was one of Irish and Chin’s unique vehicles of marketing Etana’s music,”said Chin. “I am overjoyed by the response to the competition.”

The results of the video competition will be kept secrety until the live finale. Not even Etana will know of the winning video until it’s announced on air, that way one can catch her candid response.

“Although each of the videos is a number 1 video to me, I am extremely anxious to see which one my fans chose as their favourite,” says Etana.

Everyone who voted should keep their phones on between 5-7 pm on February 27, in case they are a lucky winner. If Etana calls a number and does not get an answer, she will move on and select another number. Viewers will be able to express their excitement live on air.