Andrew Athias, a digital marketer from Philadelphia, was part of the group of individuals disguised as grass during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show. The ensemble contributed to the sugarcane field scene for the performance by the Puerto Rican artist. Athias shared his experience of having grass blades in unexpected places like his nose, mouth, and ears while performing but found the outfit surprisingly comfortable due to sufficient padding.
Reflecting on how he landed the unique role, Athias humorously mentioned a midnight call from Bad Bunny offering him the grass role, correcting it was actually through an open casting call. The casting process required specific height criteria and verification through photos and measurements. Athias only discovered his role as grass upon reaching the rehearsal venue, two weeks before the Super Bowl.
Despite facing travel challenges due to a snowstorm, Athias managed to make it to California for rehearsals. He emphasized the strict non-disclosure agreement that prevented him from revealing his involvement in Bad Bunny’s show. Athias expressed his excitement at being part of such a significant event and acknowledged the secrecy surrounding the rehearsals, including the presence of substitute performers for Bad Bunny.
During the performance, Athias found himself positioned next to the iconic pink house, witnessing the emergence of various celebrities. He revealed receiving California minimum wage for his extensive rehearsals and the main event, totaling around $1,000 US, which was insufficient to cover all his expenses. Despite the financial limitations, Athias cherished the experience and felt honored to be part of Bad Bunny’s vision of showcasing Puerto Rico to a global audience.
Athias likened his newfound fame to the iconic “left shark” from Katy Perry’s halftime show, emphasizing his enjoyment of the attention. He appreciated the opportunity to contribute to a beautiful moment and the significance of representing Bad Bunny’s dream of elevating Puerto Rico’s visibility on a global stage.