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Nick Jonas is stepping into 2026 with honesty, vulnerability — and new music.
The singer rang in the New Year by releasing his latest solo single, "Gut Punch," while also sharing a heartfelt message with fans about self-doubt, pressure, and learning to show yourself grace.
In a video posted to Instagram on Jan. 1, Jonas admitted the start of a new year often brings anxiety for him, explaining that the pressure to instantly become a "better version" of himself can feel overwhelming. He said the song was released on New Year's Day because many people experience those same emotions.
"Be grateful for the simple things — quiet moments with people you love," Jonas told fans, adding, "You're enough. You're not defined by your hurt or your mistakes."
The 33-year-old said Gut Punch explores how harsh self-talk can take over, even when life looks successful on the outside. In a statement about the track, Jonas reflected on questioning himself as a husband and father to daughter Malti Marie, whom he shares with wife Priyanka Chopra.
"I tend to be hyper critical of myself," he said. "I was wondering, 'Am I a present and thoughtful husband? Am I a good father?'"
The song captures that inner conflict, with Jonas confronting habits like people-pleasing and pretending everything is fine. In the chorus, he sings about being "mean to myself," a theme that resonated strongly with fans during live performances on the Jonas Brothers' recent tour.
Jonas first teased Gut Punch in late 2025 and has performed it at multiple shows, including a New Year's Eve event livestreamed on Samsung TV Plus. In a post celebrating the song's release, he wrote, "Here's to being kinder to ourselves in 2026."
Gut Punch will appear on Sunday Best, Jonas' upcoming solo album set for release on Feb. 6. The project marks his first full-length solo release since Spaceman in 2021 and is expected to offer a deeply personal look at his life, growth, and rediscovery.
