Nick Jonas has ushered in 2026 with the release of his new solo single, “Gut Punch,” an emotionally resonant track that premiered on Thursday, January 1. This single also arrived with an accompanying lyric video available on YouTube. Jonas expressed his excitement on Instagram, stating that he couldn’t imagine a better way to begin the new year than hearing the meaningful lyrics of “Gut Punch” being sung back, and encouraged self-kindness in the coming year.

The introspective track features a driving chorus where Jonas sings, “Hit me like a gut punch/ I hurt my own feelings/ How did I get so good at being mean to myself?” These lyrics delve into themes of self-criticism and personal struggle. Fans of the Jonas Brothers member had already experienced “Gut Punch” live during the band’s Jonas20: Greetings From Your Hometown anniversary tour, which commenced on August 10 in New Jersey and concluded on December 22 in Brooklyn. Additionally, Jonas debuted a moody ballad version of the song in mid-December at one of his Sunday Best Brunch events in Toronto, where he was joined on stage by his younger brother Franklin Jonas (who is not a member of the Jonas Brothers) and album collaborator JP Saxe.

In a statement regarding the song’s inspiration, Jonas revealed his tendency to be hypercritical of himself, not primarily about appearance or aging, but rather questioning his efforts to be the best version of himself, a present and thoughtful husband to Priyanka Chopra, and a good father to their daughter, Malti. He acknowledged that life’s stresses and complexities can become burdensome, emphasizing the importance of recalling a more carefree, world-loving version of oneself.

“Gut Punch” serves as a prelude to Nick Jonas’s highly anticipated first full-length solo album in five years, titled “Sunday Best.” This 11-track project is scheduled for release on February 6 through Republic Records. The album promises an intimate exploration of Jonas’s life as a husband and father. According to a previous news release, “Sunday Best” draws inspiration from Jonas’s musical roots and his early experiences singing in church choirs. It is described as featuring “unguarded storytelling” and “moments he has never previously shared publicly,” offering listeners “an intimate look into his world” while exploring themes of “honesty, growth and rediscovery.”

While Nick Jonas focused on his solo endeavors, the Jonas Brothers collectively celebrated the New Year with a two-hour performance on Wednesday, December 31, at Florida’s Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This show was exclusively livestreamed on Samsung TV Plus and included a diverse setlist of early hits, fan favorites, and tracks from their latest album, “Greetings From Your Hometown.” The lyric video for Nick Jonas’s “Gut Punch” is available for fans to watch.