Nick Jonas: snl spaceman
Setting the Stage
When Nick Jonas debuted his single Spaceman on Saturday Night Live in February 2021, the performance needed to capture the song’s themes of isolation and distance in a bold visual language. Studio 8H was transformed into a futuristic environment: deep blue tones washed the set, a projected moon graphic anchored the floor, and Jonas stood alone at center stage.
Our Role
PRECISION designed and executed the laser environment for this performance. A Laser Banding spotlight surrounded Jonas in a cage of light, while an upstage laser wall filled the background with floating beams. Programmed with precision timing, the lasers pulsed and shifted with the rhythm of the song, building a layered visual world that placed Jonas inside his own orbit.
Why Laser Banding
Spaceman is built on imagery of separation — the feeling of being cut off from home, like an astronaut drifting in space. Laser Banding translated that theme into a striking stage picture. The spotlight effect framed Jonas as a solitary figure, while the wall of beams extended the space around him into something vast and atmospheric. The beams, captured on camera as suspended lines of light, gave the performance a futuristic presence that matched the song’s narrative.
Integration with the Design
The lasers worked in concert with the rest of the stage design. A minimalist rocket-ship aesthetic, moody lighting, and Jonas’s live band set the foundation. The laser structures became the centerpiece, tying the elements together and creating the visual identity of the performance.
Reception
Entertainment press highlighted the staging, pointing to the “retro-techno aesthetic” and “creative laser lights” that defined the look. Hollywood Life described how Jonas “turned the SNL stage into a futuristic rocket ship,” while fans online called the performance “out-of-this-world.” Within production circles, the use of Laser Banding by PRECISION on SNL was noted as a distinctive application of advanced laser design on live television.
Outcome
The debut of Spaceman on SNL became more than a live performance — it was a broadcast spectacle. The laser design gave visual form to the song’s story, surrounding Jonas in beams of light that conveyed both isolation and futuristic allure. The result was a cinematic performance that elevated the song and left a strong impression with audiences watching at home.
SEE IT LIVE
Book a studio visit to explore ideas in person, or request a quote today. We look forward to delivering signature laser moments for your next project.