Growing up, Adele found endless inspiration in music. Soulful icons like Etta James, Dusty Springfield and Roberta Flack helped the scrappy talent master her voice, while the pop smarts and streetwise attitude of '90s R&B titans like Mary J. Blige and Lauryn Hill shaped her savvy and spirit. And global pop domination hasn't quashed her humility: She still cites peers like Beyoncé as heroes.