The Super Bowl LX halftime show turned heads on February 8, 2026, when Bad Bunny took the stage at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Amid the high-energy performance, complete with hits like “Tití Me Preguntó” and a surprise appearance by Lady Gaga, one element stole the spotlight: hundreds of performers dressed as bushes, grass, and sugarcane.
These human plants transformed the football field into a lush representation of Puerto Rico’s rural landscapes, surrounding a colorful casita set. The quirky sight sparked endless memes and chatter, but soon the conversation shifted to the people inside those costumes and what they earned for their efforts.
The Bush Brigade Takes Center Stage
Roughly 500 performers, split evenly between men and women, made up this foliage army. They weren’t just standing around; their movements added a dynamic touch to the show, mimicking the sway of natural fields.
One performer, Andrew Athias, who flew from Philadelphia for the gig, described the experience in a CNN interview. He explained how the costumes, weighing up to 50 pounds, covered them from head to toe in synthetic grass bundles. “This is just the arm piece,” Athias said, showing off part of the elaborate gear. The group had to stay mostly still during the 15-minute performance, following instructions like “there’s no wind in Puerto Rico” to avoid unnatural rustling.
The idea stemmed from NFL rules limiting the number of trucks allowed on the field to 25, to protect the turf. Instead of using props, the production team opted for human elements to create the scenery. This choice not only met regulations but also brought a realistic, flowing effect to the stage.
Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, drew from his Puerto Rican roots for the theme, turning the halftime into a cultural nod complete with agricultural vibes. Performers like Athias got to hear the full setlist through in-ear monitors and even knew about Gaga’s cameo ahead of time, though they couldn’t spill the secret to anyone.
Landing the Role of a Lifetime
Securing a spot as a bush wasn’t easy. Reports indicate over 40,000 people applied for the mysterious job posting, which called for applicants between 5 feet 7 inches and 6 feet tall, with an athletic build and preferably marching band experience. The casting emphasized the need to handle heavy costumes for extended periods.
One X user named Manny shared that he signed up via a website but only learned he’d be a “bush” a week before the event. “I was a Bush Bunny,” he posted, highlighting the surprise factor. Selected performers signed strict nondisclosure agreements, keeping details under wraps until after the show.
Athias, in his Business Insider chat, noted the secrecy added to the thrill. Many came from diverse backgrounds, some traveling cross-country for the opportunity. The role offered more than just a paycheck; it included bragging rights and a unique resume boost.
At the end, some even took home small grass bundles as souvenirs. Interestingly, these background stars technically out-earned Bad Bunny himself, as the NFL doesn’t pay headliners directly; they perform for the exposure that boosts album sales and tours.
The Grind of Rehearsals and Game Day
The job demanded serious commitment. Performers clocked 70 hours total, spanning eight days of rehearsals plus the big game. They practiced formations and timing to ensure seamless integration with Bad Bunny’s choreography. Wearing the 50-pound suits for hours tested their endurance, especially during fittings and full run-throughs. Athias admitted it wasn’t his “ideal definition of fun,” but the payoff came in the live moment.
On game day, they suited up early, blending into the field setup before the performance. The halftime slot, extended to about 30 minutes including setup and teardown, meant staying in character amid the chaos. Manny mentioned the physical toll but praised the camaraderie among the group.
Despite the demands, many expressed gratitude, with Athias calling Bad Bunny the “boss of the year” for the inclusive vibe. This behind-the-scenes effort underscored how massive productions rely on unsung contributors to pull off the spectacle.
Weighing the Worth of $1,309
At $18.70 per hour, the total compensation hit $1,309 per person. This figure, first reported by sports business journalist Darren Rovell on X, ignited debates across platforms. Some fans called it a steal for the experience. “1309 to be in super bowl halftime show and see bad bunny and stand as a bush. Definitely would have did it lol,” one X user posted. Others highlighted the story value: “Imagine telling people you got paid to be a Super Bowl halftime show bush. $1,309 and a story forever.”
Critics, however, pointed out the low rate given the physical strain and exclusivity. “That’s high for a gig just to stand,” another commenter noted sarcastically, while some joked about “expensive bushes.”
Comparisons arose to other event jobs, with many arguing the pay didn’t match the event’s billion-dollar scale. Rovell himself noted the breakdown, emphasizing it covered all prep time. Performers like Athias focused on the positives, saying the memories outweighed the money.
In the end, the bush performers became an unexpected highlight, proving that even background roles can spark big conversations. Whether the pay was fair depends on perspective, but one thing’s clear: they helped make Bad Bunny’s show unforgettable.
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