Elite, you say?

If a serious music fan ever needs proof that major record labels care more about the bottom line than promoting a talented, original artist, look no further than Robert Hilburn’s “Pop’s Power Elite” [July 24].

It was shocking to see that these executives only care about selling albums rather than taking a risk on what could be a groundbreaking experience. This proves that it’s vital for music fans to scour the indie labels -- Saddle Creek, Merge, Sub Pop -- for challenging artists who refuse to adhere to the formulaic, homogenized nonsense that we are bombarded with daily. I look forward to the day when most of the major labels fold -- then music will thrive again.

Robert Gleim

Marina del Rey

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Though everyone can name Beyonce or Britney, where are the door openers like Madonna or Whitney Houston? Where are the real divas who can actually sing and have a presence onstage larger than 55 backup dancers? Larger than a set that flashes 60 trillion little lights across a stage hidden behind smoke and fire?

All the hit makers of today (viz. Ciara, Amerie, J. Lo, Ashanti, Lindsay Lohan, Hilary Duff, etc.) have been scooped up and put out there without so much as a chance at future albums. It’s no wonder they end up addicted to drugs and on some terrible show like “The Surreal Life.” They’ve been given a taste of superstardom only to be unceremoniously thrown back into the real world, fanless and filled with a false sense of relevance.

Edison Skinner

Trenton, Canada

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I have to disagree with putting Beyonce on “Pop’s Power List.”

After her stunt on the BET Awards, her flying high is taking a dive. That lap dance will be the downfall of her career.

Yeah, the men love her and will continue to drool over her -- even my 70-year-old dad thinks she’s the “all that” -- but they don’t buy the music. They are mesmerized by her light skin, long hair and perfect body.

As a woman, parent and educator I will enjoy watching Beyonce move down and right off any list.

Teri Delahousie Norris

Inglewood