old thread but thought I'd respond just the same. The first person I can remember liking was Debbie Gibson. I remember I had to be like 3 and wanted to go to her concert because my two oldest sisters were going. Middle school era it was TLC, No Doubt, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, BSB (better than Nsync!) DMB, Sublimej Jewel. Then as I got into high school -- Vanessa of course, Avril Lavigne, Michelle Branch (and continued DMB, Sublime). The artists today who I still listen to - Vanessa, of course, DMB, Sublime, Jewel -- the ultimate 4 for me!