Diane Warren Honored at New York Pops 42nd Birthday Gala and Concert

Diane Warren, one of modern music’s most celebrated songwriters, was honored Monday (April 28) night at the New York Pops Gala at Manhattan’s Carnegie Hall for her extraordinary achievements in the music industry. The event brought together Warren, conductor Steven Reineke and a host of award-winning artists to pay tribute to her impact on decades of pop music.

Warren’s songwriting journey spans what feels like a lifetime of accomplishments with her first Billboard Hot 100 hit dating back to 1983 with “Solitaire,” performed by Laura Branigan. She has earned nine No. 1 hits among 33 top 10s on the Billboard Hot 100, and shares the record for the most No. 1s written by one writer – eight – in the chart’s history. Her vast catalog includes beloved classics such as “Only Love Can Hurt Like This” (Paloma Faith), “Un-Break My Heart” (Toni Braxton), “If I Could Turn Back Time” (Cher) and “Rhythm of the Night” (DeBarge).

The New York Pops recognized the Grammy winner with a series of moving performances by guest artists including Shoshana Bean, Sofia Carson, Taylor Dayne, Ariana DeBose, Micaela Diamond, Brandon Victor Dixon, Angélique Kidjo, Hailey Kilgore, Mykal Kilgore, Storm Large and LeAnn Rimes. Backed by the full orchestra, each artist performed a specially arranged version of one of Warren’s songs. Among the evening’s standout moments was Storm Large’s powerful rendition of “How Can We Be Lovers,” arranged and orchestrated by Dylan Condor. Sofia Carson—best known for her song in the Academy Award-nominated 2023 film Tell It Like A Woman—delivered a stirring performance of “Applause,” penned by Warren for the film. Carson expressed heartfelt gratitude to Warren, praising her dedication and her gift for channeling raw emotion through music. 

Alongside Diane, Reineke and the New York Pops, the PopsEd Program welcomed students from 15 states to the stage, including those in mentorship programs made possible by annual donors and the New York Pops Gala. PopsEd engages students of all ages and backgrounds, through mentorship, to spark creativity, build essential life skills, and make music accessible and fun. The PopsEd Program students sang alongside Mykal Kilgore, singing “Rhythm of the Night,” which DeBarge took to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 hit in 1985. 

With performances spanning hits from the 1980s to the 2000s, the night was a powerful tribute to Diane Warren’s enduring influence and her gift for crafting songs that transcend genres and connect with audiences across generations.