Puerto Rican sensation Bad Bunny gave a memorable performance during the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday, but it was the hundreds of extras dressed in plant-like costumes who added their own flair to the energetic spectacle. One of these extras, content creator Andrew Athias, shared his experience on social media, revealing that he had flown from Philadelphia to California for the gig.
Athias, a self-proclaimed fan of Bad Bunny’s music, disclosed that he was paid $18.70 per hour for the job. The company that hired him was looking for individuals who met specific height and athletic criteria, as the performers had to wear costumes weighing over 40 pounds. Despite the challenges of dancing in the heavy and uncomfortable grass outfits, Athias and the other extras were provided with protective goggles.
The production crew made necessary adjustments to the costumes as the extras prepared for the show, with final rehearsals lasting 12 hours each. Other extras, like Instagram user @vicivoli, also shared their behind-the-scenes experiences leading up to the performance.
The idea of the dancing grass costumes was born out of the need to protect the natural grass at Levi’s Stadium during the halftime show. NFL guidelines limited the crew to using only 25 carts to move equipment onto the field, prompting producers to devise a creative solution to achieve the atmosphere Bad Bunny envisioned.
After the show, performer Jose Andres Camarena shared a photo on Instagram wearing his grassy hand accessories in front of the Mexican flag. He expressed how meaningful the performance was to him, particularly because his grandfather grows sugar cane in Mexico.
The performer’s post reflected on the significance of showcasing Latino culture on the world stage in Spanish, paying tribute to his ancestors who paved the way for him. The moment was a full-circle experience that highlighted the hard work and sacrifices of previous generations, ultimately culminating in a proud display of heritage on a global platform.
