I personally look up to Christina Aguilera, Catrien Maxwell (her works are on YouTube.com), Michelle Branch, and Amy Lee.

For Canadian Artists, my favorites are Melissa O'Neil and Avril Lavigne (does Avril count as Canadian anymore?).

Anything really inspirational.  Also, Far Away -- Nickleback almost made me cry one time... but for other reasons. wink

Thanks!
-Roxy