DIANE WARREN: Real Songs for Real People

When you started your own publishing company, Realsongs, in 1987, why did you name it that?

I think of what I do as writing real songs. I was so shocked that no one had taken that name. My first name for it was Warren Piece, but I couldn’t get it because someone already had War and Peace. Realsongs is a significant name. It just sounds like it’s something. It’s not clever or overly thought out. What do I want to write? I want to write real songs. That’s what I do.

I have to ask about your appearance on American Idol. What was it like to be a judge with contestants singing your songs the whole show?

That was so cool. It was about three years ago. It was so non-cynical…the kids were so innocent. I’m definitely more of a behind-the-scenes person, so I was kind of nervous to do that. I’m kind of shy. That was my big leap into not being shy, and it was a great experience. I’m really good friends with Randy Jackson and Simon, and I’ve known Paula for years, so it was comfortable. Look-it was a night of my songs-I wasn’t going to complain. That show’s such a phenomenon. I still get recognized from that. People don’t usually bother me, but sometimes when I go out to the mall or something, a person will say, “Are you Diane Warren, the songwriter?” I suppose they probably know me from American Idol.