Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl: The Extras Behind the ‘Dancing Grass’
Bad Bunny’s dynamic Super Bowl halftime performance on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium wasn’t just about the music. it was a spectacle involving hundreds of performers concealed as part of the stage design. While the Grammy-winning artist captivated audiences with a tribute to his native Puerto Rico, a dedicated group of extras played a crucial, if initially hidden, role in bringing his vision to life.
A Field of Performers
During the performance, Bad Bunny was surrounded by what appeared to be dancing grass. These weren’t props, but rather individuals – including content creator Andrew Athias – costumed to resemble foliage. Athias shared on social media that he traveled from Philadelphia to Santa Clara, California, for the opportunity, an event that quickly sparked conversation online.
The Details Behind the Disguise
Athias revealed to Insider that he was compensated at a rate of $18.70 per hour for his participation. The selection process for these performers involved specific height and athletic requirements. The performers were initially kept in the dark about the specifics of their costumes, with instructions remaining “super vague,” according to Athias.
The experience wasn’t without its challenges. Athias described the costumes as “heavy and uncomfortable,” noting instances of “plastic grass going places where grass should not go.” Protective goggles were provided to address this issue. The extras underwent three practices, each lasting 12 hours, to prepare for the performance.
A Creative Solution to NFL Regulations
The unusual choice of “dancing grass” wasn’t simply an artistic decision. According to Wired, the production team, Bruce and Shelley Rodgers, needed a way to avoid damaging the natural grass at Levi’s Stadium while adhering to NFL guidelines that limit equipment transport to 25 carts. The foliage-based design provided a creative workaround to achieve the desired aesthetic within these restrictions.
Other participants have also shared their experiences online, with one Instagram user, @vicivoli, calling it the “best day ever” in a behind-the-scenes video. These posts demonstrate the enthusiasm and positive experience of those involved in bringing Bad Bunny’s vision to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was one of the performers in the grass costumes?
Content creator Andrew Athias was one of the performers who wore a grass costume during Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show. He traveled from Philadelphia to Santa Clara, California, for the performance.
How much were the extras paid?
Andrew Athias stated he was paid $18.70 per hour for his work as an extra in the halftime show.
Why were the extras dressed as grass?
The grass costumes were part of a creative solution to NFL regulations limiting the number of carts allowed on the field, and to avoid damaging the natural grass at Levi’s Stadium.
As halftime shows continue to push creative boundaries, it’s possible we’ll see even more innovative uses of performers and stagecraft in future spectacles. Will this trend toward immersive, large-scale performances become the new standard for Super Bowl halftime shows?