In Defense of Dion

Perspective. It is all a matter of perspective.

Robert Hilburn calls Celine Dion’s nominations “disheartening” (“The 39th Annual Grammy Nominations,” Jan. 8). I call her nominations four of the few good reasons to watch this year’s telecast. Oh, and Tracy Chapman’s nomination for the jazzy and triumphant “Give Me One Reason” is far more deserved than for her self-serving and depressing debut single “Fast Car.” For once, the academy nominated a few performers who love to sing the beautiful rhythms of their hearts along with politicians who like to make occasionally coherent noise--the latter being Hilburn’s obvious preference.

Perspective. Like love, it makes the world and--judging by Dion’s sales figures--CDs go ‘round.

ALAN B. CAWI

Alhambra

Enrique Lopetegui asks the question: “Why can’t Latinos have their own Alanis Morissettes?” To answer his question, they do; her name is Shakira Mebarak.

LAWRENCE KIM

Irvine