People still try to pin Nick Jonas down as just "the one from the boy band." It’s honestly a bit exhausting at this point. If you’ve been paying attention to the headlines in early 2026, you know he’s currently pivoting in a way that most pop stars would be way too terrified to try. He’s 33 now. He isn’t the curly-haired kid from the Disney Channel, and he’s definitely moved past the "Jealous" era of leather jackets and radio-friendly synth-pop.
Right now, Nick is sitting on the edge of releasing Sunday Best, his first solo album in five years. It drops February 6, 2026. This isn't just another collection of dance tracks. From what we heard at his intimate "Sunday Best Brunch" events in Vegas and Toronto, he’s leaning into something way more raw—think gospel-tinged melodies and stripped-back storytelling. He’s calling it "33 years in the making," which is a pretty bold claim for a guy who has been in the public eye since he was seven.
The Solo Pivot: Is Sunday Best a Gamble?
There is always a risk when a member of a massive group like the Jonas Brothers decides to go it alone again. We saw it with Spaceman in 2021. That album was good, sure, but it felt a little like a pandemic project—insular and experimental. Sunday Best feels different. It’s being described as a homecoming to his church-choir roots.
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You’ve probably heard the new single "Gut Punch" by now. It’s got this unguarded lyricism that feels almost intrusive, like reading a diary entry about the chaos of being a father and a husband while the world watches your every move. Working with JP Saxe has clearly rubbed off on him; the songwriting is tighter and much more vulnerable.
But will it stick?
Music critics are already debating if the "singer-songwriter" vibe will alienate the fans who just want another "Sucker." Honestly, Nick doesn't seem to care. He’s spent the last year balancing the massive JONAS20: Greetings From Your Hometown tour with his brothers while secretly carving out this new identity. It’s a lot to juggle.
Broadway and the "Serious Actor" Arc
While everyone was obsessing over his music, Nick was quietly crushing it on Broadway. His run in The Last Five Years alongside Adrienne Warren last year was a massive turning point. Playing Jamie Wellerstein—a character who is, let’s be real, kind of a jerk—required a level of acting depth people didn’t know he had.
He didn't just show up; he earned a Distinguished Performance nomination from the Drama League. That’s huge. It proves he isn't just stunt-casting to sell tickets (though he did move nearly $9 million in ticket sales).
And the momentum isn't stopping. This June, we’re finally getting Power Ballad, where he stars opposite Paul Rudd. It’s a music-driven comedy directed by John Carney, the guy behind Once and Sing Street. If there’s anyone who can bridge the gap between "pop star" and "legitimate actor," it’s Carney. Plus, rumors of a Jersey Boys filmed production and the long-whispered Jumanji sequel are keeping his IMDb page looking very busy.
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The 20-Year Battle Nobody Sees
It is easy to look at the photos of Nick and Priyanka Chopra Jonas on their recent Turks and Caicos vacation and think it's all easy. They just celebrated their daughter Malti Marie’s fourth birthday. They look perfect. But for Nick, every single day is a calculated battle with Type 1 Diabetes.
He’s been living with this for 20 years now.
Most people don't realize that when he’s on stage performing for two hours, he’s literally monitoring his glucose levels in real-time. He uses the Dexcom G7—he’s been a huge advocate for the tech—and he’s admitted that adrenaline from the crowd can mess with his numbers just as much as a high-carb meal.
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"There are days when your glucose still isn’t cooperating, no matter how well you eat or manage it," he recently told Everyday Health.
He’s been open about how low blood sugar makes him forgetful. Can you imagine trying to remember lyrics to a 20-song setlist while your brain is literally fogging up from a hypoglycemic episode? He carries cans of pineapple juice and fruit snacks everywhere. It’s a relentless, invisible job that he handles while the cameras are flashing.
The Business of Being Nick Jonas
He isn't just a singer; he’s a venture capitalist. Most people know about his tequila brand, Villa One, but his portfolio is actually much weirder and more diverse than that. He’s got stakes in:
- Magic Spoon: That high-protein cereal you see all over Instagram.
- Olipop: The "healthy" soda alternative.
- Ember: Those temperature-controlled coffee mugs.
- Rob’s Backstage Popcorn: A brand that actually started as a secret recipe they made while on tour.
He’s even invested in a mobile gaming platform called Artie and a luxury watch collection with Fossil called "Machine Luxe." He isn't just slapping his name on products; he’s building a legitimate business empire that could sustain him even if he never picked up a microphone again.
What’s Actually Next?
If you want to keep up with what Nick is doing, don't just look at the gossip columns. Look at the moves he's making in the next few months.
- Pre-order the music: Sunday Best is out Feb 6. If you liked the more acoustic, honest side of the Greetings From Your Hometown album, this is for you.
- Watch for Power Ballad: This comes out June 5, 2026. It’ll be the litmus test for whether he can hold his own in a lead comedic role against a heavyweight like Paul Rudd.
- The 20th Anniversary: The Jonas Brothers are officially 20 years old as a band this year. Expect more "Hometown" tour dates or a massive anniversary special toward the end of 2026.
Nick Jonas is no longer the "youngest brother" in the shadow of the group. He’s a Broadway-vetted, business-savvy, solo artist who is finally making music for himself instead of for the charts. It’s a risky play, but it’s the most interesting he’s ever been.
Actionable Insight: Keep an eye on his "Sunday Best" social media updates for surprise pop-up performances in smaller venues. He’s leaning away from arenas for this solo cycle, opting for "listening experiences" that offer a much closer look at his new sound. If you're a long-time fan, this is the most access you'll likely ever get to his creative process.