2012 Billboard Awards Light up the MGM Grand Stage with Pyrotek Special Effects

	Linkin Park

The 2012 Billboard Music Awards took to the MGM Grand Arena Stage in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 20, 2012. The show included seventeen artist performances showcasing the year's Billboard chart toppers. Pyrotek Special Effects and its sister company, Laser Design Productions, were on hand to provide the stunning effects for the night's ceremony. Working with show producer Brian Stonestreet and art director Alana Billingsley on the incredible scenic elements, the telecast had the feel of a full-fledged concert experience, making it stand out from the usual awards ceremony experience.

The star studded event opened with LMFAO performing a medley of their chart topping hits including "Sexy and I Know It," "Sorry for Party Rockin'," and "Party Rock Anthem." Laser Design Productions director of operations Victor Tomei worked closely with designer Hokuto "Hok" Konishi, and production manager Tim Miller to create a stand out opening number. Twelve cryo jets were used to surround the duo as they rose onto a center stage riser. Two 20W full color laser systems were placed on 7' risers on stage right and left, while two 25W full color lasers were placed on stage left and right. Laser operator Eric Taylor, also had Two 25W full color systems placed on a truss above the stage in order to shoot onto the downstage edge to create an all encompassing look for the performance.

Linkin Park took the stage to perform their hard hitting new single "Burn It Down." Collaborating with production manager Jim Digby and designer Travis Shirley, Pyrotek president Lorenzo Cornacchia, had three 7' long Dragon Tail Units placed behind the industrial set to ignite the band from behind. Low lying fog units were inverted and placed within prop piping on stage left and of the band as they stood atop 5' and 3' risers across the stage. Inverted gerb fans that held six 20x20 silver gerbs were hung center stage and used to raise the excitement of the end of the performance, bursting above the band and delighting the audience in attendance.

Pyrotek worked with creative director Baz Halpin, and production manager Harold Jones on Usher's performance of his new single "Scream." The award winning artist had the audience doing just that as 1x25 silver gerbs exploded over the set and low lying fog was incorporated into his magical performance. Carrie Underwood, who performed "Blown Away," incorporated low lying fog as well as silver technoflek confetti and eight cryo jets into her performance.

Cee Lo Green, joined by Goodie Mob performed "Fight to Win" and "Fight For Your Right" in a tribute to The Beastie Boys member, Adam Yauch, who recently passed away. Double headed dragon units were used behind the four performers as they stood on risers spread out across the stage.

Back on the awards stage after a brief hiatus, Nelly Furtado brought her "Big Hoops (The Bigger The Better)" to the elated crowd. Native American hoop dancers joined Furtado as she rose center stage on a lift using six cryo jets to create a rocket "lift off" look.

British sensation, The Wanted, brought their smash hits "Chasing the Sun" and "Glad You Came" to the Billboard stage. Low lying fog as well as silver gerbs were used to accent the excitement of the songs and brought the crowd to its feet. With the help of designer Brian Freidman, The Wanted proved the new generation of boy bands is here to stay.

Freidman also had a hand in creating the performance of Justin Bieber along with production manager Tom Marzullo. Bringing his single "Boyfriend" to the Awards stage for the first time, the number opened with blue emergency lights surrounding Bieber as he strutted and danced his way across the stage. The set which included black lights and low lying fog also integrated multiple silver gerbs and cryo jets into this elaborate performance.

The 2012 Billboard Awards were a huge success for all involved and was seen by 7.4 million viewers. Crew chief Bob Ross, shooters Gary Bishop and Rory Jones and pyrotechnicians Gregg Pearson, Mark Jones, and Kyle Priddy worked together to execute the massive show in the professional manner Pyrotek Special Effects is known for world wide.