Response from The New York Times

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Response from Mireya Navarro, Staff Writer, The New York Times.

There was no misconception or oversight. I kept in mind all Asian Americans, not just East Asians, in the reporting. The story just wasn't meant to give an all inclusive list.

Regarding the examples you offer: Iha was famous as a guitarist, not a singer, which was the focus of the story. (In any event, the Smashing Pumpkins are no more.)

Jones, Branch and Amerie are mixed race Asians, which the story acknowledged through the examples of Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat dolls and Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas (the story also made the point that those with interracial looks tend to do better in the music industry, according to some artists.)

Lastly, of all three Asians or mixed race Asians on American Idol (you forgot Tobaldo,) Paul Kim was the only one to be vocal about the issue of how being Asian has hurt his music career.

Thanks for writing and I hope that answers your questions.