Why was Diane Warren honored at the New York Pops' 42nd Gala? What we know

The New York Pops' 42nd Gala recently saluted songwriter Diane Warren, who has written hundreds of number-one hits and love ballads. Known as "The New York Pops 42nd Birthday Gala: Words and Music by Diane Warren," the event was held on April 28, 2025, at Carnegie Hall.

Live concerts, musical sets, and a celebration of a four-decade career as a songwriter were all included in the evening. You wonder, why Diane Warren? And this year? What we do know about the reason she was honored at this year's Gala is as follows.

Diane Warren recognized as the New York Pops music honoree for 2025

Diane Warren was chosen to be honored with a music award at the 42nd New York Pops Gala. The award is annual and is awarded to individuals whose body of work in music has yielded lasting contributions to culture and the world of art. Diane Warren had worked as a songwriter for four decades, giving her obvious credentials for such an honor.

Some of her successes include an unprecedented roster of genre- and generation-defying tracks, making her one of the most consistent and iconic writers in music.

A milestone career of Diane Warren

Warren's résumé includes:

9 No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 songs
33 top 10 hits
Various nominations and wins for the Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, and Golden Globes
A Grammy Award, Emmy, and two Golden Globes
16 Academy Award nominations
Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001
The Johnny Mercer Award winner in 2024

She's the only songwriter in Billboard history to have written number-one hits in forty years, thanks to her amazing body of work!

A star-studded lineup paid tribute

The ceremony included live performances by a star-studded lineup of artists, each performing Warren's songs. Some of the performers were:

Ariana DeBose
LeAnn Rimes
Shoshana Bean
Sofia Carson
Taylor Dayne
Angélique Kidjo
Micaela Diamond
Brandon Victor Dixon
The War and Treaty

These performances emphasized not only the extent of Warren's reach but also the emotional burden borne by her words over the years for countless artists and fans.

More than a tribute concert

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Although the evening was centered on music, it had a purpose. The Gala provided funding for the PopsEd music education initiatives of the New York Pops orchestra. These programs bring musical experience to students from all walks of life, so the Gala was a creative and charitable event.

Corporate honoree also honored

Apart from honoring Diane Warren, the New York Pops also designated Nadine Wong, a Private Wealth Advisor with Morgan Stanley, as Corporate Honoree. Wong was awarded for her arts philanthropy and charitable giving.

The evening did not conclude at Carnegie Hall. After the performances, attendees participated in an optional black-tie dinner and dance at the Mandarin Oriental New York, bringing down the curtain on a celebratory but formal night.

Diane Warren's honor at the New York Pops' 42nd Gala wasn't simply a celebration of her songs—it was a celebration of a body of work that has become music history today.