I grew up listening to a multi-format station. A lot of small towns only had one station so they played multi-format. They had to please everybody. You shouldn't underestimate the audience and I think there was a bit of something for everyone. The reaction to me depends on where I play and however they've been influenced by the music that's played on their local radio station.
Radio plays a very important rold in influencing people and the kind of music they like.
I've always listened to different kinds of music. But it's been more of a training thing for me. I would sit there and listen to a lot of male singers, even in country. A lot of the artists I listened to were male. I work with my voice.