People love a good stadium-sized rivalry. It’s a classic trope, honestly. You have two guys, both incredibly talented, both sporting guitars and high-register vocals, and both occupying that specific "pop prince" throne. For years, the internet has tried to pit Shawn Mendes and Nick Jonas against each other, as if there’s only enough room in the charts for one brooding guy with a falsetto.
But here’s the thing. If you actually look at the timeline, the "rivalry" is basically a myth cooked up by stans and tabloid headers.
Actually, they’ve been in each other's orbits since Shawn was just a kid posting six-second loops on Vine. Back in 2014, when Nick was trying to shed the "JoBro" skin and launch his self-titled solo era, he was already hanging out with a 15-year-old Shawn at the Island Records office. There’s even a photo of them together from that day. Nick was literally helping Shawn pick out album covers.
The Island Records Era: Where It All Started
In 2015, they weren’t competing; they were coworkers. Both were signed to Island Records, which at the time was the undisputed powerhouse of male pop. They shared the stage at the "Island Life" showcase at the Best Buy Theater in NYC. You’ve probably seen the photos—Shawn looking slightly terrified in a flannel shirt and Nick looking like he just stepped out of a gym session.
They weren't fighting for the spotlight. They were the spotlight.
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Later that year, things got even weirder (and more fun) when they teamed up to crash a bachelorette party in Las Vegas alongside The Vamps. Imagine being at your bachelorette party and Nick Jonas and Shawn Mendes just... walk in. It’s the kind of chaotic celebrity crossover that doesn’t happen if there’s bad blood.
Comparing the "Sunday Best" and "Shawn" Eras
Fast forward to 2026. Both artists are in completely different places than they were a decade ago.
Nick is currently gearing up for the release of his fourth solo studio album, Sunday Best, which is slated to drop on February 6. He just released the lead single, "Gut Punch," and it’s arguably the most vulnerable he’s ever been. He’s talking about self-doubt, being a father, and the "stress and complications of life." It’s a far cry from the "Jealous" days.
Shawn, meanwhile, just wrapped his "On the Road Again" tour in late 2025. His latest self-titled album, Shawn, was a massive pivot. After taking a hiatus to protect his mental health, he came back with a sound that’s stripped-down and almost folk-adjacent.
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- Nick Jonas: Moving into a mature, introspective pop-rock space while balancing the Jonas Brothers' 20th-anniversary legacy.
- Shawn Mendes: Embracing a "less is more" philosophy, focusing on raw vocals and acoustic storytelling.
The styles are divergent now. Nick is leaning into the complexity of being a veteran in the industry, while Shawn is stripping away the "pop star" artifice to find his voice again.
Why the Comparison Still Happens
The "Shawn Mendes and Nick Jonas" comparison sticks because they both followed the same blueprint. They both transitioned from teen idols (Disney and Vine) to serious musicians. They both cite John Mayer as a massive influence. They even share a similar vocal range that makes a duet feel inevitable, even if we’re still waiting for one.
But if you’re looking for drama, you’re going to be disappointed.
Last year, during a game of Song Association with ELLE, the Jonas Brothers were actually singing Shawn’s hits. There’s a mutual respect there that doesn't make for "juicy" headlines, but it’s the truth.
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The 2026 Landscape: What’s Next?
If you're a fan of either (or both), 2026 is looking pretty stacked. Nick is currently doing a global press tour for Sunday Best, including exclusive listening sessions in places like Singapore. He’s also juggling a Broadway return in The Last Five Years.
Shawn is currently the subject of heavy dating rumors with Bruna Marquezine after they were spotted in Rio de Janeiro, but musically, he’s in a "cooldown" phase after a massive 2025.
What you should do next:
- Listen to "Gut Punch" by Nick Jonas to hear the shift in his songwriting—it’s a great barometer for where solo pop is heading this year.
- Check out Shawn Mendes' live version of "Why Why Why" from his Hollywood Bowl show. It’s the best example of his new, raw direction.
- Keep an eye on the 2026 festival circuits. With both artists active, this is the most likely year we’ll finally see them on a festival billing together since the early Island Records days.
The idea that you have to choose a "side" between Shawn and Nick is a relic of 2016. In 2026, they aren't rivals—they're the blueprints for how to survive a decade in the pop machine without losing your mind or your talent.