Andrew Athias, a Philadelphia digital marketer, had a unique role in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show as one of the individuals dressed as grass to create the sugarcane field setting for the Puerto Rican pop star’s performance. Athias shared his experience of being part of the show, mentioning the discomfort of grass blades getting into unexpected places but also highlighting the overall comfort of the costume.
He humorously recounted how he landed the role, joking about Bad Bunny personally calling him before clarifying that it was through an open casting call. Athias described the vague casting process and how he only discovered his role as grass upon reaching the third rehearsal.
Despite facing travel challenges due to a snowstorm, Athias managed to make it to California for the rehearsals and the big day. He emphasized the secrecy surrounding the show, including signing a non-disclosure agreement and keeping the Super Bowl performance a secret from family and friends.
Athias reflected on the experience of working alongside a stand-in for Bad Bunny called “Good Rabbit” during rehearsals and the surprise of seeing various celebrities emerge from the pink house on the field during the show. He disclosed that he earned California minimum wage for his rehearsals and the performance, totaling around $1,000 US, which wasn’t enough to cover all expenses but was a rewarding experience nonetheless.
Despite the challenges and secrecy, Athias expressed gratitude for being part of such a significant moment, representing Bad Bunny’s dream of showcasing Puerto Rico to a global audience. He appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the memorable halftime show and compared his newfound fame to the iconic “left shark” from a previous Super Bowl performance.