AJ Michalka is taking us back to the early 2000s—a simpler time when low-rise jeans ruled the world, and Disney stars secretly dated while pretending to just be “best friends.” On the latest episode of Call Her Daddy, the 33-year-old actress/musician/spiller-of-tea did not hold back about her teenage romance with none other than Joe Jonas. Spoiler alert: it all started in the most romantic place on earth—a bowling alley.
First Kiss Drama at the Lanes
When host Alex Cooper casually asked AJ, “So, is it true your lips first met Joe Jonas’ in the dim glow of a bowling alley?” AJ confirmed with a nostalgic sigh.
“Yep, it happened. Bowling alley. Super innocent, very sweet,” she said, probably while mentally reliving the moment to the sound of faint bowling pins and awkward teenage giggles.
Cue sister Aly chiming in to hype up her sister’s romance credentials. “I mean, for a teenage relationship, dating for over a year is basically the equivalent of celebrating a golden anniversary!”
AJ agreed, adding that the relationship lasted a solid year and a half, which, in Disney Channel years, is practically an eternity.
How It All Began: A Spark on Tour
According to AJ, their love story began on tour when the Jonas Brothers opened for Aly & AJ. “There was a spark,” she said, probably with Disney-esque twinkles in her eyes. “And I was like, ‘Oh, this could be fun.’”
Let’s pause for a moment to appreciate the power dynamic here: Joe Jonas, part of the soon-to-be global phenomenon, was opening for Aly & AJ. Legends only.
Kevin Jonas and the Awkward Matchmaking Attempts
Of course, no juicy story about the Jonas Brothers would be complete without some sibling-related shenanigans. Apparently, the Powers That Be (or maybe their moms?) tried to set up Aly with Kevin Jonas.
“And I was like, ‘Uhh, it’s not really vibing,’” AJ dished. Then, as if someone was working through a matchmaking Rolodex, they suggested Aly try dating Greg, the bass player. But nope, not even Greg could seal the deal.
“Bless their hearts, but no,” AJ deadpanned.
“You can’t force that,” she added, to which Aly agreed, “Yeah, love needs to be organic, not a Disney-mandated rom-com.”
Life on the Road: The Ultimate School Dance Alternative
While the rest of us were awkwardly slow-dancing at middle school formals, Aly & AJ were living the homeschooler dream: touring. “We didn’t get school dances,” AJ reflected, “but instead, we got to connect with fans every night on stage. Honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
She even credited those early years of touring for why she loves performing as an adult. “It’s like the ultimate bonding experience… plus, zero risk of stepping in cafeteria mystery meat.”
Final Thoughts
AJ may not have ended up walking down the aisle with Joe Jonas, Kevin, or Greg the Bass Player, but at least she’s got plenty of cute stories to spill. As for the bowling alley kiss? It’s officially a part of Disney star history, right up there with Zac Efron’s haircut from High School Musical.