Nick Jonas on Partying With Taylor Swift and Becoming a Gay Icon

Who are your biggest role models in that regard?
Elvis, for sure. He was one of the first ones to do acting and singing at the same time, and he’s obviously an icon. On top of that, I think that Justin Timberlake has done a good job of not only transitioning from where he started, but also balancing acting and singing. 

Do you listen to much new music? What have you been loving lately?
The new D’Angelo album is my favorite. Specifically the song “Betray My Heart.” It’s amazing to hear someone with so much soul be that creative with melody.

It’s interesting that you mention D’Angelo. He went into a decade-long tailspin after showing off his toned abs in the “Untitled” video. Can you identify with that?
I definitely understand the pressure you can feel in that position, and how it can complicate your mental state. It makes things strange when you reach for one more beer or you want a cheeseburger, and you start thinking how it’s going to affect your body. But I’m diabetic, so I have to be health-conscious regardless.

You’re about to open for Iggy Azalea on tour. Have you ever thought about crossing over to rap?
You know, I’ve been known to drop a spoken-word bit into a song from time to time. But not straight-up rap. I don’t know that I have that gift [laughs].