If I was a popular artist (or even an indie one) I would take every chance I get to talk about how Janet and Mariah have influenced me. I think people would be a little judgemental at first given that I'm a male artist so I'm obliged to say the same "Michael and Prince blah blah now watch me try to moonwalk" but I don't care.
Those two, Bey, Drake, and some indie faves like Arcade Fire

would be my biggest inspirations if I could ever be an actual musician.