Diane Warren has written hit songs for film soundtracks mannequin Unpleasant Armageddon. She has three original songs in the 2023 films, but her song for Flamin’ Hot is primarily personal in nature. Warren said she wrote “The Fire Inside” because it related to the theme of the film.
Flamin’ Hot was inspired by the story of Richard Montañez, who is believed to have invented Flamin’ Hot Cheetos while working as a janitor at Frito-Lay. Directed by Eva Longoria.
“It’s such an American dream,” Warren said Thursday at Deadline’s Sound and Screen event. “When I wrote the song, it was a bit like my national anthem. The fire within is an ambiguity.”
On the surface, Montañez is motivated by the spices of Latin American cuisine. But Warren said the real fire in him was the passion that every artist must maintain.
“You need passion because if you have the fire in you, nothing can stop you,” said the fourteen-time Oscar nominee and youngest honorary Oscar winner. Becky G recorded the song for the film.
Even as a legendary songwriter, Warren says doors still get slammed in her face. That’s why she was persistent in making things happen.
Warren and Longoria worked in the same building when Longoria was created Flamin’ Hot. Warren persisted, though perhaps a little too soon.
“I’m kind of annoying,” Warren said. “I’m annoyed in the right way. I’m annoying because I care. I really want to be part of something.”
After making the film, Longoria relented and showed Warren a piece. The next day she started writing the song.
“The next day I came up with the title ‘The Fire Inside’ because his character had that exact title,” Warren said.
Becky G is the latest artist to make a Diane Warren song her own — and Warren specifically singled her out.
“I cast the artist,” Warren said. “You have to be authentic in the film.”
Warren also wrote the song with a Latin rhythm to reflect the Montañez family.
“It was natural, inherent in the song,” Warren said. “I wrote it with that partner.”
Flamin’ Hot streaming now on Hulu.
Come back on Monday for the panel video.
Source: Deadline
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
