Early Years and Introduction to Show Business
Nick Jonas, born on September 16, 1992, in Dallas, Texas, is an American singer, songwriter, and actor. His journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age, starting with his foray into acting on Broadway at the tender age of seven. In 2002, Nick released his debut single, which caught the attention of Columbia Records. This led to the formation of a band with his older brothers, Kevin and Joe, known as the Jonas Brothers.
Television and Music Success
The Jonas Brothers released their debut studio album, “It’s About Time,” in 2006 under the Columbia label. They gained prominence through their appearances on the Disney Channel, captivating a large following. Their success extended to the musical television film “Camp Rock” (2008) and its sequel “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” (2010), along with their own series, “Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream” (2008–2010) and “Jonas” (2009–2010).
Their third studio album, “A Little Bit Longer” (2008), achieved commercial success, with the lead single “Burnin’ Up” reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Following the release of their fourth studio album, “Lines, Vines and Trying Times” (2009), the Jonas Brothers announced a hiatus. During this time, Nick formed a new band, Nick Jonas & the Administration, and released the album “Who I Am” in 2010. He then shifted his focus to acting, taking on recurring roles in the television series “Smash” and various Broadway shows.
Solo Career and Reunion
After the official disbandment of the Jonas Brothers in 2013, Nick Jonas embarked on his solo career. He signed with Island Records and released his self-titled solo studio album, “Nick Jonas,” in 2014. The album achieved commercial success, propelled by the hit single “Jealous.” In addition, Jonas co-founded Safehouse Records in collaboration with Island and Hollywood labels. His third solo studio album, “Last Year Was Complicated” (2016), reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart.
In 2017, Nick Jonas made a successful transition to the big screen with his appearance in the adventure comedy film “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” which became one of the highest-grossing films of the year. In 2019, the Jonas Brothers reunited and released the album “Happiness Begins.” Continuing his solo career, Nick Jonas released his third solo studio album, “Spaceman,” on March 12, 2021.
Early Years and Introduction to Music
Nick Jonas was born in Dallas, Texas, to Denise (née Miller) and Paul Kevin Jonas. His father is a songwriter, musician, and former ordained minister, while his mother is a former sign language teacher and singer. Nick has two older brothers, Joe and Kevin, as well as a younger brother, Frankie. He grew up in Wyckoff, New Jersey, and received homeschooling from his mother.
At the age of six, Nick was discovered by a show business manager while accompanying his mother to a barber shop. His career took off when he began performing on Broadway at the age of seven, taking on various roles in productions such as “Beauty and the Beast” (2002), where he co-wrote a song with his father titled “Joy to the World (A Christmas Prayer).” This song served as his debut single and was featured on the compilation album “Broadway’s Greatest Gifts: Carols for a Cure, Vol. 4.”
Nick’s talent caught the attention of Columbia Records, leading to a record deal. His debut studio album, “Nicholas Jonas” (2004), featured songs co-written with his older brothers and received a limited release. However, due to executive changes at Columbia’s parent company, the album faced delays and was ultimately canceled.
Formation of the Jonas Brothers and Early Success
Impressed by Nick’s voice, the president of Columbia Records decided to sign him and his brothers as a group. They initially considered the name “Sons of Jonas” but eventually settled on the name “Jonas Brothers.” The band toured extensively and released their debut single, “Mandy,” in 2005. Their debut album, “It’s About Time” (2006), faced limited promotion and was met with disappointment. The group’s hopes of finding a new label were dashed when they were dropped by Columbia Records in 2007. Despite these setbacks, the album eventually sold 1,750,000 copies.
Personal Life and Relationships
Health and Advocacy
Nick Jonas has faced health challenges, since being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of thirteen. To manage his condition, he relies on an insulin pump. In response to his own experience, he established the Change for the Children Foundation, which collaborates with five different charities to raise funds and awareness for diabetes. Additionally, Jonas partnered with the Washington Nationals to create a public service announcement supporting diabetes care at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. As a diabetes ambassador for Bayer Diabetes Care since August 6, 2008, he encourages young people to actively manage their diabetes. Jonas even testified in the U.S. Senate to advocate for increased research funding for the condition.
Accident and Recovery
On May 15, 2021, Jonas had a biking accident that resulted in a cracked rib, as well as bumps and bruises. He was transported to a hospital by ambulance but was discharged the following day. Remarkably, he returned to his hosting duties on The Voice on May 17. In a subsequent interview, he assured fans that he was feeling better and that the accident would not affect his hosting of the Billboard Music Awards.
Relationships
Over the years, Nick Jonas has been involved in several high-profile relationships. He dated fellow Disney star Miley Cyrus from June 2006 to December 2007. Following that, he had a relationship with another Disney star, Selena Gomez, from 2008 to 2010. Gomez even appeared in his band’s music video for “Burnin’ Up.” In May 2011, Jonas began dating Australian singer Delta Goodrem, but they ended their relationship in February 2012. Subsequently, he entered a relationship with fashion influencer and Miss Universe 2012, Olivia Culpo, in 2013, but they called it quits in 2015 after nearly two years together.
In May 2018, Jonas started dating Indian actress Priyanka Chopra. He proposed to her on July 19, 2018, a day after her birthday, during a trip to Crete, Greece. The couple got engaged in August 2018, holding a Punjabi Roka ceremony in Mumbai. They tied the knot in December 2018 at Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, India, with both traditional Hindu and Christian ceremonies. In January 2022, Jonas announced the birth of their first child, a daughter, who was welcomed into their family through surrogacy.
Musical Journey and Last Year Was Complicated
Exploring New Ventures
Following the official breakup of the Jonas Brothers, Nick Jonas embarked on a solo career, devoting his efforts to his second studio album. In 2014, he took on the musical and creative director role for Demi Lovato’s Neon Lights Tour, overseeing various aspects such as video content, wardrobe, lighting, staging, and song arrangement. During select shows, he even joined Lovato on stage, performing three of her songs alongside her. Jonas also made appearances in two episodes of Hawaii Five-O and secured a starring role as Nate Kulina in the drama series Kingdom. The show premiered on DirecTV’s Audience Network, and its success led to its renewal for two additional seasons just two weeks later. Meanwhile, Jonas returned to the music scene with the release of “Chains,” the lead single from his second studio album. His subsequent release, “Jealous,” became his first top-ten hit as a solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100.
Journey in Music
On November 10, 2014, Jonas released his second studio album, titled Nick Jonas, under Island Records. Debuting at number six on the Billboard 200, the album sold over 37,000 copies in its first week. Building upon the success of “Jealous,” the album’s first single, “Chains,” was re-released as the next single. It achieved commercial success, reaching the top twenty of the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming Jonas’ second multi-platinum single. During this period, Jonas also served as a guest mentor for Christina Aguilera on the eighth season of The Voice and starred in the film Careful What You Wish For, which had been filmed in 2013. In 2015, he released a new single, “Levels,” serving as the lead single for the re-released version of his debut album, Nick Jonas X2. Additionally, Jonas had a recurring role as Boone Clemens in the comedy horror series Scream Queens, featuring in five episodes of the first season.
Last Year Was Complicated
As early as 2014, before the release of Nick Jonas, work on Jonas’ third studio album had already begun. Originally titled Unhinged, the album was later renamed Last Year Was Complicated. The lead single, “Close,” featuring Tove Lo, garnered commercial success, reaching the top twenty of the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming his third top ten hit on the Mainstream Top 40 chart. Last Year Was Complicated was released on June 10 to positive reviews. In its first week, the album sold 66,000 equivalent album units, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200 chart—Jonas’ highest peak as a solo artist at the time. The album’s second single, “Bacon,” followed. Jonas’ songwriting contributions earned him the Hal David Starlight Award in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He embarked on the co-headlining Future Now Tour alongside Demi Lovato from June 29 to September 17, 2016. In 2017 and 2018, Jonas continued to release singles such as “Remember I Told You,” “Find You,” and “Anywhere,” collaborating with various artists and maintaining a consistent presence in the music industry.