Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime show on February 8 delivered one of the most visually striking performances in recent NFL history. Celebrating Puerto Rican culture, the global music star filled the stage with bold choreography, star-studded cameos, and unforgettable production design.
But one unexpected detail has since taken over social media: the lush “grass” covering the field wasn’t a prop at all — it was made up of real dancers dressed as plants.
One of 500 performers on the field
Although the Super Bowl has ended, conversation around Bad Bunny’s halftime performance continues to dominate entertainment news.
The 14-minute set featured surprise appearances from Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, a unifying message centered on love and inclusion, and an elaborate stage design inspired by Puerto Rican sugarcane fields. The show sparked widespread online debate, including criticism from former President Donald Trump, who called it “one of the worst” performances on Truth Social.
Media personality Piers Morgan pushed back, praising the performance and noting that Spanish is the first language for more than 50 million Americans.
Behind the scenes, however, another story was unfolding.
Viewers quickly realized that the towering greenery moving across the field was actually hundreds of dancers in disguise. One of them, Andrew Athias, known online as “The Reese’s Guy,” has now shared what it was like to take part in one of the most talked-about halftime shows ever.
Andrew traveled from Philadelphia to Santa Clara and was one of 500 professional dancers hired to bring the set to life.
A physically demanding role — and strict rules
Playing “living grass” wasn’t as simple as standing still. Performers had to meet strict physical requirements, standing between 5’7” and 6’ tall with athletic builds capable of handling costumes weighing around 50 pounds. Some dancers wore the outfits for up to five hours during rehearsals and live production.
“My role was pretty straightforward,” Andrew told Business Insider. “They told me where to stand and said, ‘Don’t move. Be one with the grass.’”
What proved hardest wasn’t the weight — it was keeping quiet.
“All of us had to sign non-disclosure agreements,” he explained. “We couldn’t post or say anything for two weeks. Seeing speculation online and knowing exactly what was coming was tough.”
How much did the dancers earn?
Despite the scale of the event, Andrew revealed the pay was modest. He earned $18.70 per hour, which included fittings, rehearsals, and the live Super Bowl performance.
Even so, he said the experience alone made it worthwhile.
Another dancer, José Villanueva, who also portrayed a “bush” during the show, described the moment as emotional.
“Standing on the Super Bowl field was unreal,” he said. “I wanted to cry, but I had to hold it together.”
A halftime show that made history
Bad Bunny opened the performance with Tití Me Preguntó, taking viewers through scenes inspired by everyday Puerto Rican life — from nail salons and domino games to a vibrant rooftop wedding. Lady Gaga joined for a salsa-inspired rendition of Die With a Smile, adding to the spectacle.
An estimated 135.4 million viewers tuned in worldwide as flags from across the Americas filled the stadium. The show ended with Bad Bunny offering a heartfelt salute to every country in the region, including his native Puerto Rico, before closing with the words, “God Bless America.”
One moment sparked online rumors when Bad Bunny handed a Grammy award to a young boy. While some speculated the child was connected to a recent immigration case, TMZ later confirmed he was actually Lincoln Fox Ramadan, a young actor. Reports clarified the gesture was meant to inspire children to dream big — not make a political statement.
The combination of powerful visuals, cultural storytelling, and behind-the-scenes surprises has ensured Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show will be remembered long after the final whistle.
What did you think of the performance? Join the conversation and share your thoughts.