Adele is not a pop culture icon. She isn't here to be critiqued on her persona (which is genuine and enjoyable, more so than her music imo) but to be critiqued on her artistry.
Firstly she appeal to the mass GP, people seldom hate her as she is seldom in the public after her promo ends.
She has a an excellent voice, write her own songs since the first album and she dont try hard to gather attention.