I have to write an essay on a billboard article for my music management class and the one I chose, "Young Artists Define Today's Adult Top 40", mentioned Vanessa Carlton in it. Basically they atribute the fact that young artists are conquering the AT40 to Vanessa Carlton and Michelle Branch.
"Gary Trust, music director at adult top 40 WSNE Providence, R.I., suggested that the trend established itself several years ago, when Michelle Branch and Vanessa Carlton ignited the gritty pop/rock-chick sound that the format embraced with little regard for a singer's age. He says they opened the door to playing younger acts, but he still draws a line."
It's in the October 23rd issue. The article starts on page 6, and is continued on page 76 (where nessa is mentioned).