AJ Michalka Reflects on Awkward First Kisses with 15-Year-Old Joe Jonas: A Story of Inexperience
AJ Michalka reflects on her early romance with Joe Jonas, reminiscing about their inexperienced first kisses The Aly & AJ musician fondly recalls the sweet, albeit clumsy, moments they shared as teenagers
Leon Bennett/Getty Images; Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images
AJ Michalka shared her first-ever kiss with ex Joe Jonas, but it’s not exactly her fondest memory.
"We were around 15 years old," quipped Michalka, who is now 32, during the November 16 episode of "The Viall Files" podcast hosted by Nick Viall. Viall had asked if Jonas, who is now 34, was a good kisser. "We were both so young. Well, I think we were both clumsy and lacking experience."
AJ, one half of the band Aly & AJ with her older sister Aly Michalka, began dating Jonas in early 2006 after Aly & AJ opened for Joe and his brothers Kevin Jonas and Nick Jonas on the Jonas Brothers' Living Room Tour. Eventually, AJ and Joe ended their relationship in December 2006.
AJ and Joe, among numerous former Disney Channel stars, began dating after starring together on the TV network. "The dating scene was quite intertwined," AJ remarked, mentioning Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, Miley Cyrus and Nick Jonas, Selena Gomez and Nick, as well as herself and Joe. This situation eventually turned into an undesirable environment."
Joseph Jonas, AJ Michalka, Kevin Jonas, Nicholas Jonas, and Aly Michalka strike a pose backstage at the Radio Disney Totally 10 Birthday Concert, as captured in this image by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Radio Disney.
AJ and Joe went their separate ways, and he eventually started dating celebrities such as Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift, Camilla Belle, and Gigi Hadid. In 2019, Joe got married to Sophie Turner, and they had two daughters named Willa, who is now 3 years old, and Delphine, who is 16 months old. However, in September, it was confirmed that Joe had filed for divorce from Turner after being married for four years.
During an attempt by Viall, who is 43 years old, to get a reaction from AJ regarding Joe and Turner's messy divorce and custody battle, AJ chose not to comment and ended up laughing. She did mention that she loves Turner and thinks she is incredibly talented.
AJ remarked that she lacked a personal investment in the matter and admitted to having limited knowledge about it, making it difficult for her to choose a side.
Since then, AJ has entered into a romantic relationship with Good Trouble actor Josh Pence, and they have been dating since 2017. Interestingly, the couple also teamed up to work on Aly & AJ's track "Dead on the Beach" in 2020.
AJ mentioned on the podcast that open dialogue and communication are essential. She acknowledged the challenge of being on tour for three months without consistent contact with loved ones. AJ emphasized the importance of establishing a virtual connection to sustain her during that time. She also highlighted her and Pence's strong communication skills and their constant emotional connection.
AJ expressed her admiration for her partner's 20-year commitment to therapy, as it greatly contributes to their relationship. She values the tremendous support it provides her. AJ further described their partnership as truly beautiful, noting that her partner, although not a touring musician but an actor, understands the industry and its challenges.
