Nick Jonas reflected on his early beginnings with the entertainment giant while honoring former Walt Disney Company CEO Bob Iger at the PAC NYC Icons of Culture Gala in New York City on Oct. 27. Taking a break from the Jonas Brothers’ current Burning Up Tour All Over Again, Jonas stepped on stage to pay tribute to Iger and recount a professional relationship spanning more than two decades.
The evening’s program featured speeches and musical performances from figures including Robin Roberts, David Muir, Samara Joy, and Broadway performers Austin Scott and Isaiah Johnson, who performed a rendition of “One Last Time” from Hamilton. Jonas introduced a musical block celebrating songs from Disney’s hit Broadway productions Frozen, Aladdin, and The Greatest Showman, a stage adaptation scheduled to open in London’s West End in April.
Tracing his history with the company, Jonas reminded the audience that his involvement predated the formation of the Jonas Brothers. He recalled playing Chip in a Broadway production of Beauty and the Beast at age 9, sharing an archival photo of himself in costume. He noted that the young performer had no inkling that he would soon record an album for the studio and launch a two-decade partnership that transformed his career.
Jonas credited Iger with elevating him and his brothers, Kevin and Joe, into prominent Disney Channel figures. He revealed that when the group reunited in 2019 following a six-year hiatus, Iger was among the first individuals to reach out. That conversation subsequently sparked two additional films, original music featured at theme parks worldwide, and further professional collaborations.
The connection culminated over the summer when the brothers and Iger were named Disney Legends at the D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event in August. They were inducted alongside Anne Hathaway, Chris Berman, Jerry Bruckheimer, Susan Egan, Eric Goldberg, Kim Irvine, Dwayne Johnson, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Alan Tudyk. Jonas remarked that sharing the honor with the former executive brought their shared history full circle.
Meanwhile, the Jonas Brothers continue their active touring schedule. The group kicked off the Burning Up Tour All Over Again in August with three sold-out performances at Madison Square Garden and is scheduled to wrap up the run on Dec. 22 with a hometown show in Newark, New Jersey.
