Jonas Brothers Remain Unfazed by Losing 2009 Best New Artist Grammy to Adele: ‘She’s the Perfect Winner’

The Jonas Brothers have spent twenty years creating unforgettable moments on stage and screen. As they approach the final performances of their Jonas20: Greetings From Your Hometown tour, Nick, Joe, and Kevin spoke with Variety about the highs, lows, and unexpected turns of their career as a sibling band, including a notable Grammy moment from early on.

The trio, who will soon be honored with a handprint and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood on December 3, looked back on their nomination for Best New Artist at the 2009 Grammy Awards. While being nominated was already a significant achievement, they admitted that losing to Adele now seems completely appropriate.

Of all the people to lose to, thats just fine, Nick said. Joe added, Shes the right person to lose to. Although the band has yet to win a Grammy, Nick emphasized that seeing families of all generations enjoying their shows has been the most rewarding part of their journey.

The conversation also revisited some lighter memories, including the trios first Hollywood visit as teens. Their management company drove them around in a rented Mini Cooper as they sang along to Weezers Beverly Hills. We were singing, Beverly Hills, thats where I want to be, Joe recalled. We were determined to make it here.

After being dropped by Columbia Records following their 2006 debut album Its About Time, Disneys Hollywood Records signed them, releasing three hit albums and two Camp Rock movies that propelled them to pop stardom. Their teenage years also brought intense public attention to their personal lives and relationships, including Joe dating Taylor Swift and Demi Lovato, and Nick dating Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez. The brothers signature purity rings drew scrutiny as well, which they said represented their commitment to waiting for marriage.

The band unexpectedly broke up in 2013, a period Kevin described as a low point. Balancing family life and solo projects, he admitted that inactivity led to feelings of depression and anxiety. The brothers reunited in 2019 with the single Sucker, which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, marking their first chart-topping hit.

This year, the Jonas Brothers celebrated their 20th anniversary with the tour, the release of the Greetings From Your Hometown album, and their holiday film A Very Jonas Christmas. Nick described the experience as deeply meaningful, highlighting their ability to enjoy creating together even after two decades. It feels like were in our favorite chapter of our journey, he said.

Reflecting on challenges, Joe noted that being brothers adds a unique dynamic to the bands ups and downs. A band breaking up hits harder when its also family, he explained. The group also shared playful memories from their first red carpet appearance at the Kids Choice Awards, where they mimicked popular bands antics by sticking out their tongues for photos.

When asked what advice they would give their younger selves, Nick suggested easing the pressure. Id tell my 13-year-old self not to carry the world on his shoulders. Its okay to just be a kid and enjoy the experience, he said.

Looking ahead, the Jonas Brothers are not slowing down. Nick hopes to collaborate with fellow New Jersey musician Bruce Springsteen, Kevin is interested in working with Mark Ronson, and Joe is aiming to team up with Rick Rubin. Nick also shared that their daughter Malti shows an interest in music, and the couple plans to nurture her growth patiently, prioritizing emotional well-being alongside any artistic pursuits.

The Jonas Brothers will resume their tour on Wednesday at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas, and conclude it on December 20 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Author: Chloe Ramirez