Jonas Brothers Reflect on 20 Years in the Spotlight, Teen Stardom, and Finding Authenticity in Therapy

The Jonas Brothers Kevin, Joe, and Nick vividly recall their first trip to Hollywood. Zipped around the city in a rented Mini Cooper by their management team, the trio soaked in the moment. We were blasting Weezer and singing Beverly Hills, thats where I want to be, Joe remembers. We felt like, This is it. Were going to make it here.

Nick adds, Our initial visit to L.A. was intense. Meetings everywhere it was overwhelming. At that time, Kevin was 18, Joe 16, and Nick just 13. Two decades later, on December 3, the band will be celebrated with a hand and footprint ceremony at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

After signing with Columbia Records, the group released their debut album Its About Time in 2006. When sales fell short, the label let them go. Hollywood Records quickly picked them up, and within a few years, the brothers were selling millions of records and winning the American Music Award for Breakthrough Artist in 2008. They were later nominated for Best New Artist at the 2009 Grammys but lost to Adele. If youre losing to her, thats totally fine, Nick says with a laugh.

The band went on to release three more albums, star in two Camp Rock movies, and face intense media scrutiny over their personal lives. Joes relationships with Taylor Swift and Demi Lovato and Nicks with Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez were widely covered. At the same time, the Jonas Brothers promoted their abstinence-before-marriage beliefs through their purity rings. The medias obsession with our teenage sexual lives was strange, Joe reflects. Nick calls it very inappropriate and notes that such scrutiny would likely be less tolerated today.

In 2013, the band unexpectedly broke up. I never thought wed reunite, Kevin says. Becoming a first-time father helped him cope with the transition, though he also faced depression and anxiety. Six years later, on February 28, 2019, the Jonas Brothers reunited. Their comeback single, Sucker, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking their first chart-topping hit.

The bands latest album, Greetings From Your Hometown, was released in August, and their holiday special, A Very Jonas Christmas, debuted on Disney+ in November. Nick reflects on their 20-year journey: Its surreal to think about starting at 13 and still feeling young. Were in a chapter we truly enjoy, celebrating with our fans and each other.

Looking back, Joe admits, When we first signed, we had hopes but no idea what it would become. After our split, I thought it might be the end. Now, its incredible to see how far weve come.

Nick recalls a pivotal moment at the 2007 Texas State Fair when the band felt the magnitude of their success. Joe notes that navigating fame as a family was challenging, blending professional and personal struggles, but ultimately strengthened their bond. We made it through our teen years with each other to lean on, he says.

The brothers also reminisce about their early red carpet experiences. Nick recalls the Kids Choice Awards as their first proper red carpet, joking about sticking their tongues out in every photo, inspired by bands like Green Day and NSYNC. The 2009 Grammy nomination was a milestone, making them feel part of the music industry club, even though they didnt win.

When asked about advice for their younger selves, Nick suggests easing up on the pressure to be role models and simply enjoying childhood experiences. The Jonas Brothers have not undergone formal family therapy, but they maintain open communication backstage. We call it the therapy tent, Joe explains, where they check in with one another before performances.

The brothers continue to dream big, with Nick hoping to collaborate with Bruce Springsteen, Kevin aiming to work with Mark Ronson, and Joe interested in Rick Rubin. On the next generation, Nick says their daughter shows a love for music, but theyll prioritize her emotional well-being first.

Asked about a song that always lifts their spirits, Nick mentions Waffle House, saying it brings back memories and reminds him that the good old days may be happening right now.

Author: Sophia Brooks