Nicholas Jerry Jonas (born September 16, 1992)[1] is an American singer, songwriter and actor. Jonas began acting on Broadway at the age of seven, and released his debut single in 2002; this caught the attention ofColumbia Records, where Jonas formed a band with his older brothers,Kevin andJoe, known as theJonas Brothers. The group released their debut studio album,It's About Time, through the Columbia label in 2006. After leaving Columbia Records and signing withHollywood Records, the group released theirself-titled second studio album in 2007, which became their breakthrough record. The band became prominent figures on theDisney Channel during this time, gaining a large following through the network, and appeared in the widely successful musical television filmCamp Rock (2008) and its sequelCamp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010), as well as two of their own series,Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream (2008–2010) andJonas (2009–2010).
The band's third studio album,A Little Bit Longer (2008), saw continued commercial success for the group; the album's lead single "Burnin' Up" hit the top five on theBillboard Hot 100 chart. Following the release of their fourth studio album,Lines, Vines and Trying Times (2009), the Jonas Brothers confirmed a hiatus. Jonas formed a new band known asNick Jonas & the Administration, who released the albumWho I Am in 2010. Afterward, Jonas shifted his focus to acting and had a recurring role on the television seriesSmash and some Broadway shows roles.
After the group's official disbandment in 2013, Jonas began work on his second solo studio album, signing withIsland Records and releasingNick Jonas through the label in 2014, which saw the commercial success of the single "Jealous". Jonas later co-foundedSafehouse Records, a record label in conjunction with the Island and Hollywood labels. His third studio albumLast Year Was Complicated (2016) peaked at number two on theBillboard 200 chart in the United States. Following the release, Jonas won the Songwriters Hall of Fame's Hal David Starlight Award in 2016.[2] In 2017, Jonas appeared in the adventure comedy filmJumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, which became thefifth highest-grossing film of the year. The Jonas Brothers reformed in early 2019, and released the albumHappiness Begins in June of that year. Jonas' fourth solo studio album,Spaceman, was released on March 12, 2021.
Life and career
1992–2006: Childhood and career beginnings
Jonas was born inDallas, Texas,[3] the third son of Denise (née Miller) and Paul Kevin Jonas. Jonas' father is a songwriter, musician, and former ordained minister at anAssemblies of God church, while his mother is a former sign language teacher and singer.[4][5][6] Nick has a younger brother,Frankie, and two older brothers,Joe andKevin.[7] Jonas was raised inWyckoff, New Jersey andhomeschooled by his mother. Jonas' career started when he was discovered at the age of six in a barber shop, where his mother was getting her hair cut, and was referred to a professional show business manager.[8] He began performing onBroadway at the age of seven, portraying characters such asTiny Tim,Chip Potts,Little Jake, andGavroche among other roles.[9][10][11][12] Jonas wrote a song titled "Joy to the World (A Christmas Prayer)" with his father while performing inBeauty and the Beast (2002), featuring background vocals from Jonas' fellow cast members, which was featured on the compilation albumBroadway's Greatest Gifts: Carols for a Cure, Vol. 4.[13] The song was later released throughINO Records to Christian Radio in 2003, serving as Jonas' debut single.[14]
The single caught the attention ofColumbia Records, leading to Jonas signing with Columbia and INO to release his debut studio effort.[15] "Dear God" (2004) was released as the lead single from the project, followed by a re-recorded version of "Joy to the World (A Christmas Prayer)".[15] Jonas co-wrote songs for the album with his two older brothers, who also provided background vocals for the release.Nicholas Jonas (2004) received a limited release on September 5, 2004.[16] The project was scheduled for a wide release in December, but was pushed back before ultimately being cancelled altogether.[17] The new president of Columbia Records,Steve Greenberg, liked Jonas' voice on the record, but did not like the album.[18] Upon hearing the song "Please Be Mine", he decided to sign Jonas and his brothers as a group.[19] After being signed to Columbia, the brothers considered naming their group Sons of Jonas before settling on the nameJonas Brothers.[20] In 2005, Jonas was diagnosed withtype 1 diabetes at the age of 13.[21][22]
While working on their debut studio album, the band toured throughout 2005 with artists such asJump5,Kelly Clarkson,Jesse McCartney, theBackstreet Boys, andThe Click Five, among others.[23] The band's debut single, "Mandy", was released in December 2005.[23] The album was initially scheduled for a February 2006 release date, but executive changes at Columbia's parent companySony led to numerous delays on the project's release.[23] It was during this time that the group began making appearances on variousDisney Channel-related soundtracks, and toured withAly & AJ throughout 2006.[24][25] The band's debut album,It's About Time (2006), was released on August 8, 2006.[26] The album received little backing from the label, who had no further interest in promoting the band. During its initial run, the album only received a limited release of 50,000 copies.[27] Unhappy with how the release of the record was handled, the band hoped to depart from Columbia Records and find a new label; it was later confirmed in 2007 that the group had been dropped by the label.[23] The album went on to sell a total of 1,750,000 copies.[28]
2007–2011: Breakthrough with Jonas Brothers and other projects
Shortly following their departure from Columbia Records, it was confirmed that the Jonas Brothers had signed withHollywood Records.[29] While working on their new album, the group continued to gain popularity from soundtrack appearances and promotional appearances.[30][31][32][33] The group released theirself-titled second studio album through Hollywood Records on August 7, 2007.[34] The album entered the top five of theBillboard 200 in the United States, going on to sell over two million copies in the country.[35] The group's single "S.O.S" became their first top twenty hit on theBillboard Hot 100,[36] and has sold over 1.5 million copies in the country.[27] Nick and his brothers made their acting debut on an August 17 episode of the Disney seriesHannah Montana titled "Me and Mr. Jonas and Mr. Jonas and Mr. Jonas". The band performed the collaboration "We Got the Party" with lead actressMiley Cyrus, with the episode garnering over ten million viewers and becoming basic cable's most watched series telecast ever.[37] In May 2008, he and the band began starring in their own Disney seriesJonas Brothers: Living the Dream.[38]
Jonas performing in July 2009.
Jonas made his film debut along with his brothers in the Disney Channel filmCamp Rock (2008), starring alongsideDemi Lovato. The film's soundtrack was released on June 17, 2008, and sold 188,000 copies in its first week of release in the United States.[39] The movie went on to become a major hit for the network, receiving 8.86 million viewers.[40] The band achieved further success with their third studio album,A Little Bit Longer (2008), which became their first to debut at number one on theBillboard 200 chart; the project sold over 525,000 in its first week of release.[41] The album went on to sell over two million copies in the United States, making it their second multi-platinum album.[42]A Little Bit Longer remains the band's highest-selling effort to date. "Burnin' Up" (2008) served as the album's lead single, becoming the band's first top five hit in the United States.[43]
The band starred in the 3D biopicJonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience, which received a theatrical release on February 27, 2009.[44] The film was a financial success, and is the sixth highest-grossing concert film.[45][46][47] Jonas starred with all three of his brothers in their second Disney Channel series,Jonas, which made its debut on May 2, 2009.[48] The band released their fourth studio album, titledLines, Vines and Trying Times, on June 16, 2009. The project debuted at the top spot on theBillboard 200, boasting first week sales of 247,000 copies.[49][50]
Following the release of their fourth studio album, the Jonas Brothers confirmed that they would be taking a hiatus to focus on solo projects.[51] While Joe chose to record a solo record, Nick opted to form the bandNick Jonas & the Administration, signing withHollywood Records to release the project and later doing a tour.[52][27] On June 21, Jonas made his West End debut performing inLes Misérables for the second time, this time in the role ofMarius Pontmercy.[53] Jonas was originally supposed to play the role for only three weeks, but was able to extend his run until July 24, 2010, because of changes in the Jonas Brothers touring schedule.[54] He also appeared in the25th Anniversary Concert atThe O2 Arena on October 3, 2010, again playing the role of Marius Pontmercy.[55] He starred inHow to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying on Broadway. From August 5–7, Jonas performed in the musicalHairspray as Link Larkin at theHollywood Bowl.[56] He also starred in the sequelCamp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010), which was a commercial success.[57] Jonas later appeared in the 2011 seriesMr. Sunshine; he played Eli Cutler, an up-and-coming singer who wants everything his way before he performs at the Sunshine Center.[58] He also played the role of Ryan on an episode of the sitcomLast Man Standing.[59][60]
2012–2013: Jonas Brothers split
Jonas guest-starred on an episode ofSmash as Lyle West, a young musician and television star backing a promising Broadway musical;[61][62] Jonas would later reprise the role in the show's season finale on May 14.[63] Jonas had acameo appearance in the last episode of the second season of the comedy web seriesSubmissions Only.[64] Jonas was to perform in the musicalHow to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying as J. Pierrepont Finch[65] from January 24 to July 1, 2012.[66] Despite this, the musical ended its run on May 20.[67][68] Jonas recorded five songs for the project, which were released as an extended play in 2012.[69][70] The Jonas Brothers confirmed in March that work had begun on their fifth studio album.[71] The band officially parted ways with Hollywood Records in May 2012; they purchased the rights to all of their music from the label.[72] Despite claims that Jonas would be signing on as a judge for thetwelfth season of the singing competitionAmerican Idol,[73][74][75][76][77] Jonas opted to appear instead as a mentor withDemi Lovato onThe X Factor.[78] Jonas made guest appearances on the television seriesMarried to Jonas, starring his older brother Kevin and his wife.[79] The television show also documented their return to music and the process of working on their fifth album.[80]
The Jonas Brothers released a new single, "Pom Poms" (2013), on April 2 through their own record label.[81] The music video for the song was filmed in February 2013 inNew Orleans,Louisiana and premiered onE! on April 2, 2013.[82] Nick was the co-host of theMiss USA 2013 competition onNBC; Jonas and his brothers performed during the event.[83] The band released "First Time" as the second single from their forthcoming album.[84] The band cancelled their highly anticipated tour in October only days before it was set to begin, citing a "deep rift within the band" over "creative differences", leading to speculation that the brothers would be parting ways musically.[85] They officially confirmed on October 29 that the band had split up for good.[86] The split led to the cancellation of their comeback album, though Nick confirmed that some of the songs recorded for the project would become available for fans through an upcoming release; the band released a live album featuring five songs from their unreleased fifth studio album.[87] Around this time, Jonas guest starred as a computer hacker on an episode ofHawaii Five-0.[88][89]
2014–2018:Nick Jonas andLast Year Was Complicated
Jonas performing in Denver, Colorado (2016)
With the Jonas Brothers officially broken up, Jonas began working on material for his second studio album.[90] In 2014, he worked as the musical and creative director on Demi Lovato'sNeon Lights Tour, overseeing video content, wardrobe, lighting and staging, and song arrangement.[90] He joined Lovato on stage for select shows of the concert, performing three of her songs with her.[91] Jonas went on to appear in two more episodes ofHawaii Five-O,[92][93] and was cast in a starring role as Nate Kulina in the drama seriesKingdom.[94][95] The series premiered onDirecTV'sAudience Network, and was renewed for two more seasons only two weeks later.[96] Jonas made his return to music with the release of "Chains", the lead single to his second studio album.[97] "Jealous" was later released as the album's second single, going on to become Jonas' first top ten hit as a solo artist on theBillboard Hot 100.[98]
Jonas released his second studio album,Nick Jonas, thoughIsland Records on November 10, 2014.[99] The album debuted at number six on theBillboard 200, selling over 37,000 copies in its first week of release.[100] Following the success of "Jealous" and the album,"Chains" was re-released as the next single from the album.[101] The single achieved commercial success, reaching the top twenty of theBillboard Hot 100 and becoming his second multi-platinum single.[102] Jonas served as a guest mentor forChristina Aguilera on theeighth season ofThe Voice.[103] He also starred in the filmCareful What You Wish For, which was filmed in 2013.[104] In 2015, Jonas released a new single, "Levels", as the lead single to the re-released version of his debut album,Nick Jonas X2.[105] Jonas had a recurring role as Boone Clemens in the comedy horror seriesScream Queens; he is credited for five episodes of the first season.[106]
Work on Jonas' third studio album began as early as 2014, prior to the release ofNick Jonas.[107] The album was initially set to be titledUnhinged, but was changed toLast Year Was Complicated prior to its release.[108] "Close", a collaboration withTove Lo, was released as the album's lead single.[109] The project was a commercial success, reaching the top twenty of theBillboard Hot 100 and becoming his third top ten hit on theMainstream Top 40 chart.[110]Last Year Was Complicated was released on June 10 to a generally positive reception.[111] The album sold a total of 66,000 equivalent album units in its first week of release, entering theBillboard 200 chart at number two.[112] This marks his highest peaking effort as a solo artist to date.[112] "Bacon" has been serviced as the second single from the album.[113][114][115] Jonas's contributions as a songwriter led to him receiving the Hal David Starlight Award in theSongwriters Hall of Fame.[116] Jonas embarked on the co-headliningFuture Now Tour (2016) alongsideDemi Lovato on June 29, and continued on the tour until the final concert on September 17.[117] In May 2015,Billboard revealed that Jonas was in the process of starting an "artist-centric" new record label, Safehouse Records, of which he would be co-founder and co-owner. The label would be a partnership between Jonas, Demi Lovato, and Lovato then-manager Phil McIntyre, and will form part of a new collaborative arrangement with record labelIsland. Jonas also starred in the drama filmGoat alongsideJames Franco, which was released on September 23, 2016.[118] He participated in a rap battle withKevin Hart on October 27.[119]
On May 26, 2017, Jonas released the single "Remember I Told You" which features British singer-songwriterAnne-Marie and American singer and producerMike Posner.[120] Jonas released the song "Find You" on September 14, 2017.[121] Jonas contributed to theFerdinand soundtrack with the songs "Home" and "Watch Me", released on October 20. "Home" was nominated for theGolden Globe Award for Best Original Song.[122] In May 2018, Jonas released the single "Anywhere", a collaboration with DJ/ProducerMustard. Jonas and Mustard performed the song live, along with "Jealous", with contestant Jurnee during the finale ofAmerican Idol season 16 on May 21.[123] They also performed the song during the2018 MTV Movie & TV Awards on June 18.[124] In an August 2018 interview withTeen Vogue, Jonas announced the impending release of a collaboration withRobin Schulz titled "Right Now", which he co-wrote withSkylar Grey.[125] In August 2018, it was announced that Jonas had joined the cast of the animated filmUglyDolls alongsideKelly Clarkson andPitbull, which was released on May 3, 2019.[126] Jonas also performs the song "The Ugly Truth" for the film, which appears on thesoundtrack album.
2019–present: Jonas Brothers reunion,The Voice andSpaceman
Starting in late January, rumors were swirling online that the three brothers were going to reform the Jonas Brothers. On February 28, 2019, the Jonas Brothers officially announced their return along with a new single, "Sucker", which released the next day, March 1.[127] The group's fifth album,Happiness Begins was released on June 7.[128] In October 2019, it was announced that Jonas would joinThe Voice as a coach for its eighteenth season and later for its twentieth season.[129][130][131] Jonas had a role inRoland Emmerich's World War II blockbuster movieMidway, which was released on November 8, 2019.[132]
On February 20, 2021, it was announced that Jonas would hostSaturday Night Live for the first time on February 27.[133] He wasSNL's musical guest for the fourth time, performing his single, "Spaceman", from his fourth studio album, also titledSpaceman.[134][135][136] The second single, titled "This Is Heaven", was released on March 4, 2021.[137]
In March 2023, Jonas and King released a single in Hindi and English, titled "Maan Meri Jaan (Afterlife)."[141]
Other ventures
Outside of his acting and music career, Jonas ventured in various directions. In 2014, he signed a contract with modeling agency Wilhelmina Models.[142]
Fashion
In 2017, he released his shoe collection 1410, a collaboration with versatile sneaker company Creative Recreation.[143] In 2018, he released a spring clothing line withJohn Varvatos, labeled JV x NJ.[144] Later in the year, they also released a fragrance, also labeled JV x NJ.[145][146] In 2019, they released two more fragrances: JVXNJ Red[147] and JVxNJ Silver.[148] In October 2022 it was annmounced that Nick collaborated with PGX on a capsule collection for the golfsport. The PXG x NJ collection includes apparel and accessories, from hats and bags to shirts, pants, socks.[149]
Tequila
In September 2019, Jonas announced that he had collaborated with John Varvatos and the spirits giant Stoli Group on an ultra-premium tequila named Villa One. The tequila, which was rolled out in the U.S. in September, came in Silver, Reposado and Añejo expressions.[150] At the end of 2020, the tequila was made available for purchase in the United Kingdom.[151] In May 2021, it was made available in Canada.[152]
Producing
On September 29, 2021, it was announced that Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra Jonas had joined the producing team of Douglas Lyons’ Broadway comedy Chicken & Biscuits, currently in previews at Circle in the Square Theatre.[153]
Image 32
Jonas was an executive producer for the showDash & Lily, withStranger Things producer Shawn Levy. Levy produced the series with Josh Barry via his 21 Laps banner.[154][155] The series was released on November 10, 2020, onNetflix. Jonas was involved on casting, filming, and music.[156] He also made a cameo in the series, giving love advice and performing the single "Like It's Christmas" with his brothers.[157]
In 2020, Amazon Studios greenlit an unscripted series following engaged couples as they prepare for their sangeet, an Indian pre-wedding tradition. Jonas was announced as an executive producer through Image 32, and Chopra Jonas would executive produce through Purple Pebble Productions.[158]
In July 2022, Jonas and Chopra announced an investment inPerfect Moment, a 1979-founded company dedicated mainly to womenswear. The company said that the couple will play a "substantial role" in the marketplaces of Asia and the Middle East.[159]
Public image
During the early stages of their career, the Jonas Brothers were seen as role models andteen idols by their fans, and they drew much media attention when they made the decision to begin wearingpurity rings during their time on the Disney Channel.[160] Though he has stated that the rings helped "shape [his] view of sex", Nick felt that his faith became more about his personal relationship with God.[161] He claimed in 2016 that all of the youth at their church had been asked to wear them, and he didn't have a "full understanding" of what the ring meant.[162] Jonas has more recently earned the title of asex symbol following a string of provocative photo shoots.[163][164][165] He has often rejected the title, stating that: "I don't really consider myself [a sex symbol]. If someone wants to give me that title, that's fine, but I don't say these words about myself. I just try to be humble, make sexy music and push the envelope a little bit."[166]
Jonas was featured onOK!'s list of 2014's Sexiest Men Alive,[167] while his photo shoot forFlaunt was listed on their Most Memorable Naked Moments list.[168] He was ranked at number ten onPeople's Sexiest Men Alive list in 2015.[169] He was ranked in sixth place onCapital FM's list of Sexiest Men in Pop during 2016.[170] Jonas' new public image has led to him receiving a large fan following in theLGBT community, a fact he claims to be "thrilled" about.[171] Some of Jonas' interviews and comments have drawn criticism for being "gay pandering", though Jonas has denied these claims.[172][173][174][175] He was deemed Sexiest Reality Show Judge in the 2020People's Sexiest Men Alive poll.[176] That same year, he was also nominated alongside Joe and Kevin for Sexiest Brothers.[177]
Personal life
Health
Jonas was diagnosed withtype 1 diabetes at the age of thirteen and uses aninsulin pump to help him manage his condition.[178] He has developed the Change for the Children Foundation; partnering with five different charities, their goal is to raise money and awareness for diabetes.[179] He also developed a public service announcement with theWashington Nationals to support diabetes care atChildren's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C.[180] Since August 6, 2008, Bayer Diabetes Care has partnered with Jonas as a diabetes ambassador to encourage young people to manage their diabetes.[181] Jonas testified in theU.S. Senate to promote more research funding for the condition.[182]
Relationships
Chopra and Jonas at aHoli celebration party in Mumbai in 2020
Jonas dated fellow Disney starMiley Cyrus from June 2006 to December 2007.[183] He also briefly dated another Disney star,Selena Gomez, in 2008, and she appeared in his band's music video for "Burnin' Up".[184] In May 2011, Jonas started dating Australian singerDelta Goodrem. They broke up in February 2012.[185] Jonas started dating model andMiss Universe 2012,Olivia Culpo, in 2013. They ended their relationship in 2015 after nearly two years of dating.[186] Culpo is the inspiration for, and appears in the music video of, Jonas’s most successful song to date, 2014 smash hit “Jealous”.
In May 2018, Jonas started dating Indian actressPriyanka Chopra. Jonas proposed to her on July 19, 2018, a day after her birthday, inCrete, Greece.[187] Jonas and Chopra got formally engaged the following month in aPunjabi Roka ceremony inMumbai.[188] In December 2018, the couple married atUmaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur, in traditional Hindu and Christian ceremonies.[189][190] The ceremony was photographed byJose Villa.[191] In January 2022, Jonas announced that he and Chopra had welcomed their first child, a daughter, viasurrogacy.[192][193]
Philanthropy
In 2009, Jonas was involved in "Disney's Friends for Change", an organization which promoted "environmentally-friendly behavior", alongside his brothers.[194]Jonas Brothers,Demi Lovato,Miley Cyrus, andSelena Gomez, as the ad hoc musical team "Disney's Friends For Change", recorded the charity single "Send It On", all of the proceeds of which were accepted into the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.[195] It debuted on theBillboard Hot 100 at No. 20.[195]
In January 2010, Jonas donated $25,000 from his family foundation to theNorth Texas Food Bank. He made the visit as part of a joint effort with the television programThe Biggest Loser andFeeding America, a national network of food banks.[196] In the same year, Jonas further volunteered his efforts forDo Something by offering his time as a prize to teens who donated jeans to Do Something andAeropostale's "Teens for Jeans" campaign.[197] Further, Jonas filmed another PSA, this one in support of Do Something's "Battle of the Bands" campaign, for the advancement of music education in schools.[198] Jonas is also a member of the National Youth Leadership Committee for the Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration, along withJordin Sparks, Genevieve Ryan, and Brodi Conover.[199][200][201]
In April 2021, Jonas and Chopra urged fans to donate to the GiveIndia NGO through their fundraiser "Together for India" during the resurgence of theCOVID-19 pandemic in India.[206][207] By 13 May 2021, the fundraiser had reached their initial target of $1 million, and they subsequently raised the target to $3 million.[208]
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