Inside the Magic: Transforming Into Living Grass at Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl Halftime Show
The Hidden Cast Behind the Vibrant Sugarcane Landscape
Among the many individuals who embodied human bushels of grass during Bad Bunny’s stunning Super Bowl halftime performance was Andrew Athias, a digital marketing professional from Philadelphia. Together, these performers crafted a vivid sugarcane field that served as a stunning backdrop for one of 2026’s most memorable live events.
Athias described his role as both remarkable adn physically demanding. “Occasionally, fake grass blades would sneak into my nose, mouth, and ears-definitely not where grass belongs,” he joked. Despite these minor annoyances, he found the costume surprisingly comfortable and well-cushioned overall.
The Path From Audition to Stadium Spotlight
Athias discovered this unusual possibility through an open casting call seeking participants between 5’7″ and 6’0″, requiring only photographic proof of height. “that was literally all they asked for,” he recalled.It wasn’t until his third rehearsal in California that he fully grasped his part: becoming an element of a living field.
The official role proclamation arrived just two weeks before game day,triggering intense rehearsals despite travel setbacks like a snowstorm delaying his flight from Philadelphia to santa Clara. Once on site, Athias immersed himself in preparations for what would become an iconic moment on one of sports’ grandest stages.
Strict Confidentiality Before Showtime
Every performer signed rigorous non-disclosure agreements forbidding them from sharing any details about their involvement in Bad Bunny’s halftime show. “I couldn’t even tell my closest friends or family what I was doing,” Athias explained. When pressed about specifics or tickets, all he could reveal was that it involved the Super Bowl.
Rehearsing Without The Star: Early Preparations
Bad Bunny did not attend initial rehearsals due to other commitments-including making history by winning Album of the Year at the Grammys with an entirely Spanish-language album-the first artist ever to do so in this category.
In his absence, a stand-in nicknamed “Good Rabbit” led practice sessions while performers refined choreography around key set pieces such as La Casita, a pastel pink house from which celebrities like Pedro Pascal and Lady Gaga later emerged during showtime-a surprise even to athias when watching live on game day.
The Magnitude and Cultural Resonance Beyond Costumes
- The halftime spectacle featured over 300 human plants creating an immersive habitat celebrating Puerto Rico’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.
- This event captivated more than 100 million viewers worldwide during its live broadcast-ranking among television’s largest annual audiences globally in 2026.
- The creative direction highlighted cultural pride alongside entertainment; showcasing Puerto Rico on such an immense platform resonated powerfully with fans across Latin America and beyond.
An experience Worth More Than Monetary Compensation
Athias received approximately $1,000 USD after enduring multiple grueling twelve-hour rehearsals plus game day itself-barely covering travel costs-but emphasized that financial gain wasn’t his motivation.He likened his brief moment in fame to Katy Perry’s iconic left shark mascot from her own unforgettable halftime show years ago-a cult figure now immortalized through memes and fan art worldwide.
“We were told we represented ‘a field of dreams.’ For Bad Bunny-from bagging groceries ten years ago as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio to becoming an international superstar-it symbolized putting Puerto Rico front-and-center before billions.”
Cultural Significance Amplified Through Performance Artistry
This artistic choice reflected how far Bad Bunny has progressed-not only musically but symbolically-as someone elevating Puerto Rican identity globally through major music festivals; collaborations with international stars like Rosalía; activism supporting marginalized groups including LGBTQ+ communities across Latin America; plus philanthropic efforts aiding recovery after natural disasters such as Hurricane Maria in 2017.
A Lasting impression Etched Into pop Culture History
This behind-the-scenes look reveals how massive productions depend heavily on countless unsung contributors whose dedication brings visionary concepts alive-even if they remain hidden beneath layers resembling blades of grass or other imaginative costumes.
if anything defines today’s entertainment spectacles it is indeed collaboration among diverse talents united by passion rather than paycheck alone-and Andrew Athias’ story perfectly captures this spirit within one historic night beneath stadium lights.
