Are Japanese people surprised that you listen to Ayu?

[Mari-chan]

Oh.. I also know it. When I told an japanese friend, I like Ayu... or Onitsuka Chihiro or Kokia... the all surprised. By the way.. most of them don't know Kokia.
So.. I sometimes know more about J-pop than a Japanese friend. Most of my friends from Japan don't listen to J-Pop. I always wondering.
Oh.. when I told a friend once, that I really like Ayu.. she told me, Ayu isn't so popular in Japan any more. Some years ago, it was more. She also told me the reason... because Ayu isn't so cute as in her beginning any more.
I totaly couldn't understand it. I don't care her cuteness.. I care her Music.