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I voted for Namie, Shiina Ringo, Hikki, and MISIA. Most of them are on the same level as Ayu though, rather than better. The reasons being:
Namie: She was the queen prior to Ayu's reign and most of her albums have been magnificent. Plus her voice is incredible and her ballads are unrivaled (ie. I Will and NEVER END).
Shiina Ringo: She's so provocative and original. Her PVs are extremely creative and entertaining, her voice is so unique, and she writes all her lyrics and composes many of her songs as well.
Hikki: She was actually my original favorite J-Pop artist quite a while before Ayu and the others. I find her voice unique and wonderful, her lyrics are great, as well as her PVs, and she has consistently put out good songs that tend to surprise in how much some of them can differ, yet remain thoroughly enjoyable.
MISIA: She's always been another favorite because her voice easily gives me tingles hearing her either live or on a CD. Plus, I find none of her songs to be boring, as her voice just brings this quality to them that can make any horrible arrangement (not that she has any) sound marvelous. IMO, the most vocally talented of any J-Pop singer.
Some other close ones, but not on the same level as the rest:
BoA, Koda Kumi, and Tommy (heavenly and Brilliant Green though, NOT february)
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