Andrew Athias, a digital marketer from Philadelphia, had a unique role in Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show. He was one of the many individuals disguised as clumps of grass, contributing to the sugarcane field ambiance for the Puerto Rican artist’s spectacular performance. Athias shared that despite some discomfort from grass getting into unexpected places, the experience was surprisingly comfortable due to adequate padding.
Securing the role involved an open casting call with specific height requirements and verification procedures. Athias humorously recounted how he joked about Bad Bunny personally offering him the role before clarifying the actual audition process. He only discovered his grass role shortly before the event and faced travel challenges due to a snowstorm, but eventually managed to join rehearsals.
Participation in the halftime show came with strict confidentiality rules, preventing Athias from revealing his involvement to friends and family until after the event. He found himself positioned near the iconic pink house, where various celebrities emerged during the performance. Despite the secrecy and challenges, Athias expressed pride in being part of such a significant moment, highlighting Bad Bunny’s journey from obscurity to global stardom as a source of inspiration.
Reflecting on the experience, Athias mentioned receiving California minimum wage for extensive rehearsals and the main event, totaling around $1,000 US. Despite the costs incurred, he emphasized that the opportunity to be part of the memorable show was priceless, likening his newfound fame to the sensation felt by the famous “left shark” from a past halftime show. Overall, Athias cherished his involvement in the event, considering it a beautiful representation of Bad Bunny’s dream to showcase Puerto Rico to a global audience.