Nick Jonas Biography

Nicholas Jerry Jonas (born September 16, 1992) is an American singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. Jonas began acting in theater at the age of seven, and released his debut single in 2002. He released his eponymous debut album in 2004 to little success, though it did catch the attention of Columbia Records. Jonas opted to form a band with his older brothers, Joe and Kevin, known as the Jonas Brothers. The group released their debut studio album It's About Time (2006) through the Columbia label, which failed to achieve commercial success. After signing with Hollywood Records, the group released their self-titled second studio album in 2007, which became their breakthrough record. The band became prominent figures on the Disney Channel during this time, gaining a large following through the network, later appearing in their widely successful musical television film Camp Rock (2008).

The band's third studio album, A Little Bit Longer (2008), saw continued commercial success for the group; the album's lead single hit the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Their fourth studio album, while still successful on the Billboard 200 chart, saw a decline in record sales. From 2009 to 2010, Jonas and his brothers starred on the Disney Channel series Jonas. After the Jonas Brothers confirmed a hiatus, Nick formed a new band known as Nick Jonas & the Administration, who released the album Who I Am in 2010 to moderate commercial success. Thereafter, Jonas opted to focus on work in theater, and also had a recurring role on the television series Smash. The Jonas Brothers briefly reunited in 2013, though officially parted ways due to creative differences.

After the group's disbandment, Jonas returned to his solo career and began work on his second studio album, signing with Island Records and releasing Nick Jonas through the label in 2014. The album entered the top ten of the Billboard 200, while both of the album's singles entered the top twenty of the Billboard Hot 100. The project was re-released as Nick Jonas X2 in 2015. The release helped provide Jonas with a new public image, earning him the title of a sex symbol. Jonas later co-founded Safehouse Records, a record label in conjunction with Island Records and Hollywood Records. Jonas released his third studio album, Last Year Was Complicated (2016), through the label. The project became his highest peaking entry as a solo artist on the Billboard 200, while the lead single was a top twenty hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Life and career

1992-2006: Childhood and career beginnings

Jonas was born in Dallas, Texas, the son of Denise (ne Miller) and Paul Kevin Jonas. Jonas' father is a songwriter, musician, and former ordained minister at an Assemblies of God church, while his mother is a former sign language teacher and singer. Nick has a younger brother, Frankie, and two older brothers - Joe and Kevin. Jonas was raised in Wyckoff, New Jersey and homeschooled by his mother. Jonas' career started when he was discovered at the age of six in a barber shop, while his mother was getting her hair cut and was referred to a professional show business manager. He began performing on Broadway at the age of seven, portraying characters such as Tiny Tim, Chip Potts, Little Jake, and Gavroche among other roles. Jonas wrote a song titled "Joy to the World (A Christmas Prayer)" with his father while performing in Beauty and the Beast (2002), featuring background vocals from Jonas' fellow cast members, which was featured on the compilation album Broadway's Greatest Gifts: Carols for a Cure, Vol. 4. The song was later released through INO Records to Christian Radio in 2003, serving as Jonas' debut single.

The single caught the attention of Columbia Records, leading to Jonas signing with Columbia and INO to release his debut studio effort. "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)". 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. The project was scheduled for a wide release in December, though was pushed back before ultimately being cancelled altogether. The new president of Columbia Records, Steve Greenberg, liked Jonas' voice on the record despite his dislike for the album. Upon hearing the song "Please Be Mine" he decided to sign Jonas and his brothers as a group. After being signed to Columbia, the brothers considered naming their group Sons of Jonas before settling on the name Jonas Brothers.

While working on their debut studio album, the band toured throughout 2005 with artists such as Jump5, Kelly Clarkson, Jesse McCartney, the Backstreet Boys, and The Click Five among others. The band's debut single, "Mandy", was released in December 2005. The album was initially scheduled for a February 2006 release date, though executive changes at Columbia's parent company Sony led to numerous delays on the project's release. It was during this time that the group began making appearances on various Disney Channel related soundtracks, and toured with Aly & AJ throughout 2006. The band's debut album, It's About Time (2006), was released on August 8, 2006. 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. 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. The album went on to sell a total of 1,750,000 copies.

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 with Hollywood Records. While working on their new album, the group continued to gain popularity due to soundtrack appearances and promotional appearances. The group released their self-titled second studio album through Hollywood Records on August 7, 2007. The album entered the top five of the Billboard 200 in the United States, going on to sell over two million copies in the country. The group's single "S.O.S" became their first top twenty hit on the Billboard Hot 100, and has sold over 1.5 million copies in the country. Nick and his brothers made their acting debut on an August 17 episode of the Disney series Hannah Montana titled "Me and Mr. Jonas and Mr. Jonas and Mr. Jonas". The band performed the collaboration "We Got the Party" with lead actress Miley Cyrus, with the episode gaining over ten million viewers and became basic cable's most watched series telecast ever. In May 2008, he and the band began starring in their own Disney series Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream.

Jonas made his film debut along with his brothers in the Disney Channel film Camp Rock (2008), starring alongside Demi 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. The movie went on to become a major hit for the network, receiving 8.86 million viewers. 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 the Billboard 200 chart; the project sold over 525,000 in its first week of release. The album went on to sell over two million copies in the United States, making it their second multi-platinum album. 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. During this time, Jonas was involved in a relationship with Selena Gomez, who appeared in the song's music video.

The band starred in the 3D biopic Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience, which received a theatrical release on February 27, 2009. The film was a financial success, and is the sixth highest-grossing concert film. Jonas starred with all three of his brothers their second Disney Channel series, Jonas, which made its debut on May 2, 2009. The band released their fourth studio album, titled Lines, Vines and Trying Times, on June 16, 2009. The project debuted at the top spot on the Billboard 200, boasting first week sales of 247,000 copies. The album failed to match the heights of their previous efforts, failing to sell one million copies in the United States.

Following the release of their fourth studio album, the Jonas Brothers confirmed that they would be taking a hiatus to focus on solo projects. While Joe chose to record a solo record, Nick opted to form the band Nick Jonas & the Administration, signing with Hollywood Records to release the project. The band's debut single achieved minor success in the United States, though their first studio album was seen as a commercial failure. On June 21, Jonas made his West End debut performing in Les Misrables for the second time, this time as the role of Marius Pontmercy. 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. He also appeared in the 25th Anniversary Concert at The O2 Arena on October 3, 2010, again playing the role of Marius Pontmercy. From August 5-7, Jonas performed in the musical Hairspray as Link Larkin at the Hollywood Bowl. Jonas starred in the sequel Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010), which was a commercial success. Jonas later appeared in the 2011 series Mr. Sunshine; he played Eli White, an up-and-coming singer who wants everything his way before he performs at the Sunshine Center. He also played the role of Ryan on an episode of the sitcom Last Man Standing.

2012-2015: Jonas Brothers split and return to solo career

Jonas guest starred on an episode of Smash as Lyle West, a young musician and television star backing a promising Broadway musical; Jonas would later reprise the role in the show's season finale on May 14. Nick had a cameo appearance in the last episode of the second season of the comedy web series Submissions Only. Jonas was to perform in the musical How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying as J. Pierrepont Finch from January 24 to July 1, 2012. Despite this, the musical ended its run on May 20. Jonas recorded five songs for the project, which was released as an extended play in 2012. The Jonas Brothers confirmed in March that work had begun on their fifth studio album. The band officially parted ways with Hollywood Records in May 2012; they purchased the rights to all of their music from the label. Despite claims that Jonas would be signing on as a judge for the twelfth season of the singing competition American Idol, Jonas opted to appear as a mentor with Demi Lovato on The X Factor. Jonas made guest appearances on the television series Married to Jonas, starring his older brother Kevin and his wife. The television show also documented their return to music, and the process of working on their fifth album.

The Jonas Brothers released their new single, "Pom Poms" (2013), on April 2 through their own record label. The music video for the song was filmed in February 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana and premiered on E! on April 2, 2013. Nick was the co-host of the Miss USA 2013 competition on NBC; Jonas and his brothers performed during the event. The band released "First Time" as the second single from their forthcoming album. 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 band would be parting ways. The brothers officially confirmed on October 29 that the band had split up for good. 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. Jonas guest starred as a computer hacker on an episode of Hawaii Five-0.

With the Jonas Brothers officially broken up, Jonas began working on material for his second studio album. He worked as the musical and creative director on Demi Lovato's Neon Lights Tour (2014), overseeing video content, wardrobe, lighting and staging, and song arrangement. He joined Lovato on stage for select shows of the concert, performing three of her songs with her. Jonas went on to appear in two more episodes of Hawaii Five-O, and was cast in a starring role as Nate Kulina in the drama series Kingdom. The series premiered on DirecTV's Audience Network, and was renewed for two more seasons only two weeks later. Jonas made his return to music with the release of "Chains" (2014), the lead single to his second studio album. The single failed to achieve success after its release. "Jealous" (2014) was later released as the album's second single, going on to become Jonas' first top ten hit as a solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100.

Jonas released his second studio album, Nick Jonas (2014), though Island Records on November 10. The album debuted at number six on the Billboard 200, selling over 37,000 copies in its first week of release. Following the success of "Jealous" and the album, "Chains" was re-released as the next single from the album. The single achieved commercial success, reaching the top twenty of the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming his second multi platinum single. Jonas served as a guest mentor for Christina Aguilera on the eighth season of The Voice. He also starred in the film Careful What You Wish For (2015), which he filmed in 2013. Jonas formed the "artist-centric" Safehouse Records alongside Demi Lovato and Phil McIntyre, in conjunction with Island and Hollywood Records. Jonas released a new single, "Levels" (2015), through the label as the lead single to the re-released version of his debut album, Nick Jonas X2 (2015). Jonas had a recurring role as Boone Clemens in the comedy horror series Scream Queens; he is credited for five episodes of the first season.

2016-present: Last Year Was Complicated

Work on Jonas' third studio album began as early as 2014, prior to the release of Nick Jonas (2014). The album was initially set to be titled Unhinged, though was changed to Last Year Was Complicated prior to its release. "Close" (2016), a collaboration with Tove Lo, was released as the album's lead single. The project was a 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 a generally positive reception. The album sold a total of 66,000 equivalent album units in its first week of release, entering the Billboard 200 chart at number two. This marks his highest peaking effort as a solo artist to date. "Bacon" (2016) has been serviced as the second single from the album. Nick's contributions as a songwriter led to him receiving the honor of the Hal David Starlight Award in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Jonas embarked on the co-headlining Future Now Tour (2016) alongside Demi Lovato on June 29, and continued on the tour until the tour's final concert on September 17. Jonas also starred in the drama film Goat (2016) alongside James Franco; released on September 23. He participated in rap battle with Kevin Hart on October 27.

On May 26, 2017, Jonas released the single "Remember I Told You" which features British singer-songwriter Anne-Marie and American singer and producer Mike Posner. Jonas released the song "Find You" on September 14, 2017. Jonas contributed to the Ferdinand soundtrack with the song "Home," released on October 20. The song was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song.

Public image

During the early stages of their career, the Jonas Brothers were seen as role models and teen idols by their fans, and drew much media attention when they made the decision to begin wearing purity rings during their time on the Disney Channel. Though he has stated that the rings helped "shape [his] view of sex", Nick felt his faith became more about his personal relationship with God. He claimed in 2016 that all of the youth at their church had been asked to wear them, thus he didn't have a "full understanding" of what the ring meant. Jonas has more recently earned the title of a sex symbol following a string of provocative photo shoots. Jonas has often rejected the title, claiming "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."

Jonas was featured on OK!'s list of 2014's Sexiest Men Alive, while his photo shoot for Flaunt was listed on their Most Memorable Naked Moments list. He was ranked at number ten on People's Sexiest Men Alive list in 2015. He was ranked in sixth place on Capital FM's list of Sexiest Men in Pop during 2016. Jonas' new public image has led to him receiving a large fan following in the LGBT community, a fact he claims to be "thrilled" about. Some of Jonas' interviews and comments have drew criticism as being "gay pandering", though Jonas had denied these claims.

Jonas was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at the age of thirteen and uses an insulin pump to help him manage his condition. He has developed the Change for the Children Foundation. Partnering with five different charities, their goal is to raise money and awareness for diabetes. He also developed a public service announcement with the Washington Nationals to support diabetes care at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Since August 6, 2008, Bayer Diabetes Care has partnered with Jonas as a diabetes ambassador to promote the idea for young people to manage their diabetes. Jonas testified in the U.S. Senate to promote more research funding for the condition. In 2010, Nick further volunteered his efforts for Do Something by offering his time as a prize to teens who donated jeans to Do Something and Aeropostale's "Teens for Jeans" campaign. Further, Nick filmed another PSA, this one in support of Do Something's "Battle of the Bands" campaign, for the advancement of music education in schools. Nick is also a member of the National Youth Leadership Committee for the Ronald Reagan Centennial Celebration, along with Jordin Sparks, Genevieve Ryan, and Brodi Conover.

Discography

• Nicholas Jonas (2005)
• Nick Jonas (2014)
• Last Year Was Complicated (2016)

Filmography

Film

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2008	Best of Both Worlds Concert	Himself	Concert film
2009	Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience	Himself	Concert film
2009	Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian	Cherub (voice)
2010	Les Misrables: 25th Anniversary Concert	Marius Pontmercy
2011	Jonas Brothers: The Journey	Himself	Unauthorized documentary
2016	Careful What You Wish For	Doug Martin
2016	Goat	Brett Land
2017	Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated	Himself	Documentary
2017	Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle	Jefferson "Seaplane" McDonough
2019	Chaos Walking	Davy Prentiss Jr.	Filming

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2007	Hannah Montana	Himself	Episode: "Me and Mr. Jonas and Mr. Jonas and Mr. Jonas"
2008	Camp Rock	Nate Gray	Television film
2009-10	Jonas	Nick Lucas	33 episodes
2010	Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam	Nate Gray	Television film
2011	Mr. Sunshine	Eli White	Episode: "Employee of the Year"
2011	Last Man Standing	Ryan Vogelson	Episode: "Last Christmas Standing"
2012	Smash	Lyle West	2 episodes
2012	Submissions Only	Lonely Dancer	Episode: "Another Interruption"
2013-15	Hawaii Five-0	Ian Wright	3 episodes
2014-17	Kingdom	Nate Kulina	40 episodes
2015	Scream Queens	Boone Clemens	5 episodes

Reality television

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2008-10	Jonas Brothers: Living the Dream	Himself	18 episodes
2009	Band in a Bus	Himself	Reality DVD
2012	The X Factor	Himself	Season 2 (Judges Houses) 1, 2, 3 (October 10-11 & October 17)
2012-13	Married to Jonas	Himself	4 episodes
2015	The Voice	Himself	Season 8 (The Battle Round)
2016	CMT Crossroads	Himself	Summer 2016 performance with Thomas Rhett
2016	Running Wild with Bear Grylls	Himself	Location: Sierra Nevada

Guest appearances

Year	Title	Artist	Notes
2008	Studio DC: Almost Live	Himself	Second show
2008	Extreme Makeover: Home Edition	Himself	"The Akers Family" (Season 6, Episode 2)
2009	Saturday Night Live	Himself	February 14, 2009 episode
2010	Live! with Regis and Kelly	Himself (Host)	January 8, 2010 episode
2010	Minute to Win It	Himself	May 12, 2010 episode
2010	I Get That a Lot	Himself	May 19, 2010 episode
2010	Extreme Makeover: Home Edition	Himself	"The Heathcock Family" (Season 7, Episode 17)
2010	The Biggest Loser	Himself	Season 10, Episode 13
2011	Dancing with the Stars	Himself	Audience Member
2012	Empire Girls: Julissa and Adrienne	Himself	Episode
2012	Opening Act	Himself	Nick Jonas & Patrick Tanner
2013	Miss USA 2013	Himself (Co-host and performer)	Host and performer with Jonas Brothers
2015	Miss Universe 2014	Himself (Performer)	Performed "Chains", "Jealous" and "Teacher" (January 25, 2015)
2015	2015 Kids' Choice Awards	Himself (Host)	First time hosting an awards show
2015	2015 MTV Video Music Awards	Himself (Performer)	Performed Levels
2015	American Music Awards of 2015	Himself (Performer)	Performed Chains, Levels, Jealous
2016	Saturday Night Live	Himself (Performer)/Various	Performed "Champagne Problems" and "Close" and appeared in the Huge Jewelry and Pool Boy sketches.
2016	Maya & Marty	Himself	June 14, 2016 episode
2016	Watch What Happens Live	Himself	June 15, 2016 episode

Music video appearance

Year	Title	Artist	Notes
2011	"My Time"	Gabrielle Giguere	Producer, cameo
2015	"OXO" (Lyric Video)	Olivia Somerlyn	Cameo

Theater

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2000	A Christmas Carol	Tiny Tim
2001	Annie Get Your Gun	Little Jake
2002	Beauty and the Beast	Chip
2003	Les Misrables	Gavroche
2003	The Sound of Music	Kurt	PaperMill Playhouse
2010	Les Misrables	Marius Pontmercy	June 21, 2010-July 24, 2010; October 3, 2010 (25th Anniversary Concert)
2011	Hairspray	Link Larkin	August 5-7, 2011 at the Hollywood Bowl
2012	How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying	J. Pierrepont Finch	Broadway, January 24-May 20, 2012

Tours

In January 2010, Nick Jonas & The Administration began touring in support of their debut album, Who I Am. Apart from guest appearances at specific events, it marks the first time Nick has toured without his brothers, Kevin and Joe. In September 2011 and October 2011, Nick Jonas & The Administration began touring through South America in support of their debut album, Who I Am.

Headlining

• Who I Am Tour (2010)
• Nick Jonas 2011 Tour (2011)
• Nick Jonas Live (2014)
• Nick Jonas Live in Concert (2015)

Co-headlining

• Future Now Tour (with Demi Lovato) (2016)

Opening act

• Maroon 5 World Tour 2015 (2015)
• 24K Magic World Tour (2018)

Festival (various artists)

• The Jingle Ball Tour (2014)
• The Jingle Ball Tour (2015)
• The Jingle Ball Tour (2017)

Creator & director

• The Neon Lights Tour (2014)

Awards and nominations

Year	Title	Award	Nominated work	Result
2009	Los Premios MTV Latinoamrica	Best Fashionista (Most Fashionable)	Himself
2010	Kids' Choice Awards	Favorite TV Actor	Himself
	Nickelodeon Mexico Kids' Choice Awards	Favorite International Character Male	Himself
	Teen Choice Awards	Choice Music: Love Song	"Stay"
		Choice Breakout Artist: Male	Nick Jonas & The Administration
	Young Hollywood Awards	Young Hollywood Artist of the Year	Himself
2011	Kids' Choice Awards	Favorite TV Actor	Himself
	DRLC	DREAM Award	Himself
2012	Broadway Beacon Awards 2012	"Contributions to the theater community"	Himself
2013	Teen Choice Awards	Acuvue Inspire Award	Himself
2014	Young Hollywood Awards	Coolest Crossover Artist	Himself
	MTV European Music Awards	Artist on the Rise	Himself
2015	Kids' Choice Awards	Favorite Male Singer	Himself
	Radio Disney Music Awards	He's The One - Best Male Artist	Himself
		XOXO - Best Crush Song	"Jealous"
	Much Music Video Awards	Favorite International Artist	Himself
	Teen Choice Awards	Choice Male Artist	Himself
		Choice Song: Male Artist	"Jealous"
	MTV Video Music Awards	Best Male Video	"Chains"
	MTV Europe Music Award	Best US Act	Himself
	American Music Awards	Favorite Male Artist - Pop/Rock	Himself
2016	People's Choice Awards	Favorite Premium Cable TV Actor	Kingdom
		Favorite Male Artist	Himself
	Kids' Choice Awards	Favorite Male Singer	Himself
	Radio Disney Music Awards	He's The One - Best Male Artist	Himself
	iHeartRadio Music Awards	Triple Threat Artist	Himself
	BMI Awards	Pop Songwriter	"Jealous"
	iHeartRadio Much Music Video Awards	iHeartRadio International Artist of the Year	Himself - "Close"
		Most Buzzworthy International Artist or Group
	Teen Choice Awards	Choice Music: Male Artist	Himself
		Choice Music Single: Male	"Close" - Nick Jonas featuring Tove Lo
		Choice Music: Love Song	"Close" - Nick Jonas featuring Tove Lo
		Choice Summer Music Star: Male	Himself
		Choice Summer Tour	"Future Now Tour" - Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas
		Choice Style: Male	Himself
	MTV Video Music Awards	Song of Summer	"Bacon"
2017	People"?s Choice Awards	Favorite Premium Series Actor	Kingdom
	Radio Disney Music Awards	He's The one - Best Male Artist	Himself
		Stuck In Our Heads - Best Song To Lip Sync To	Bacon
		I'm With The Band! - Radio Disney Favorite Tour	Himself & Demi Lovato - Future now tour
		Hero Award	Himself
	CMT Music Awards	CMT Performance of the Year	"Close" - with Thomas Rhett
2018	75th Golden Globe Awards	Best Original Song - Motion Picture	Home