The Jonas Brothers touch down in NYC to chat about their new film, Camp Rock, which overtakes the Disney Channel, ABC and ABC Family this weekend.
Proclaimed to be the new High School Musical, this feel-good flick takes viewers to summer camp. The Jonas Brothers, who play the fictional band Connect Three, and newcomer Demi Lovato, break out as Disney stars in the musical comedy.
First, I see the guys during the Camp Rock premiere, which takes place at Ziegfeld Theater. Throngs of tween girls are lined up and shrieking as Mama Jonas, Papa Jonas, and of course – Bonus Jonas – a.k.a. Frankie – stroll by, and then the Jonas Brothers arrive together. Frankie, 7, gives a thumbs-up pose before going inside. (He loves this! Such a ham.)
Nick, 15, shows off his new, shorter ‘do.
“He woke up one morning, and went ‘I need to cut my hair guys,’” Joe, 18, says.
What’s their dream storyline for Camp Rock 2?
“That we could be in it?” Joe says. “Something like where they have to shut down the camp. Maybe winter camp?”
Kevin, 20, adds, “I’m thinking camp in Hawaii. Anyone else feeling me? You’ve gotta come visit. I have the ‘in!’”
The next day, I roll on over to Le Parker Meridien Hotel, where I see the guys again – for the sixth time in six weeks! It’s amazing what’s happened to them – they sent me an official Jonas Brothers electric guitar a few years ago before they were household names. (That was really nice!)
I notice the guys say hello to each person in the room when they enter at 3:10 p.m. Joe tells me he wants a girl who “doesn’t only greet the people they think they’re supposed to greet but greets everybody when they walk into a room.” He’s practicing what he preaches.
Which brother spends the most time in front of the mirror?
Nick says it’s Frankie.
“I think we all do a pretty good job with it, making sure we don’t take too much time,” Joe says.
Nick chimes in, “Joe is always like, ‘does this look good?’ and I’m like ‘yeah, it looks fine.’”
Joe adds, “He’s a good stylist when it comes to decisions. I’m like ‘Nick, does this look good? Can you work with this?’”
Kevin says, “During soundcheck, when we’re doing vocal warm-ups, we sit in front of the mirror because we want to look good onstage.”
Oh really…
What’s the strangest thing they’ve eaten?
“I had a stingray,” Kevin says. “They pinch the meat on the side, and then they flip it over. Great stuff. That’s OK to say, right? (Yes.) It’s not an endangered species or something, or I’d get in trouble.”
Blech!
Are the Jonas Brothers getting tired of their fast-paced life?
“No, we’re pretty good,” Joe says. “I think later today our jet lag will hit us. We flew from Paris two days ago, and we’re going to Italy tonight.”
Talk about jet-set!
With Camp Rock, Demi, 15, may be poised for Miley Cyrus-like fame, but she doesn’t let it phase her.
“I’m not expecting anything,” she says. “You can believe the hype and get your hopes up, but I’d rather just say ‘thank you’ to all the compliments and continue doing what I love to do. If I believe it at all or if I expect things, things may not turn out how they seem. I’m just going to continue acting. I don’t really mind if I am [famous] or not.”
Parting gifts include a Camp Rock bag stuffed with a Camp Rock sweatshirt, Camp Rock hat and Camp Rock soundtrack. All right!
Catch Camp Rock airing on the Disney Channel, ABC and ABC Family this weekend.
