Additional Coverage:
- I was in the stands for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show. Here’s what it was like. (businessinsider.com)
From the Stands: My Super Bowl Halftime Show Adventure with Bad Bunny
Alright, folks, buckle up! My fiancé and I just experienced our very first Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium, and let me tell you, while the game was… well, a game (sorry, Patriots and Seahawks fans!), the real MVP of the day was undeniably Bad Bunny. My parents weren’t even interested in the football – they just wanted a heads-up before Benito took the stage!
So, for those of you who watched from the comfort of your couch, here’s the lowdown on what it was like to witness history from the stadium stands.
A Peek Behind the Curtains: Grass, Gadgets, and a Giant Stage
As soon as the first half wrapped up, the field became a flurry of activity. Dozens of crew members swarmed, prepping for the main event. We even got a sneak peek at Bad Bunny’s set as carts rolled out, adorned with tall, grassy tufts – a sweet nod to the sugarcane fields of his Puerto Rican homeland.
The whole stadium had a good laugh watching “extras” dressed as giant blades of grass stroll by. We all thought they were going to be part of some elaborate dance number, but it turns out these leafy performers were actually a clever workaround!
To protect Levi’s Stadium’s natural turf, the NFL limited how many carts could be on the field. So, the production team decided to wear the greenery, recreating the lush vibe of Bad Bunny’s hometown, Vega Baja.
One of these dedicated “grass” performers, Andrew Athias, even told Business Insider that his costume weighed a hefty 40 pounds! He flew all the way from the East Coast and spent two weeks rehearsing, happily declaring he would’ve done it for free.
Talk about dedication!
And speaking of fan engagement, every single seat in the stadium came with a light-up football necklace, emblazoned with Bad Bunny’s name. These bad boys automatically lit up during the performance, creating that dazzling glow you saw on TV.
The View from Afar: Jumbotrons, Missing Cameos, and Gaga Mania
When “La Casita,” a major stage piece from Bad Bunny’s residency, rolled out, we quickly realized it was at the other end zone. Our seats, while great for the game, were a bit of a trek from the main action.
Still, the excitement was absolutely electric as Bad Bunny kicked off his 15-minute set with “Tití Me Preguntó.” The guy in front of me even FaceTimed his friend so she could experience every moment!
From our vantage point high in the stands, the tall grass often obscured the smaller details. Thankfully, a jumbotron directly across from us provided a clear view of what everyone at home was seeing.
However, there were a few head-scratching moments when our jumbotron decided to cut away from Bad Bunny to show random stock images – leaves, a cityscape. Everyone around us was confused, wondering if it was a technical glitch.
Watching the replay later, I noticed our jumbotron was often visible on camera, so perhaps it was a strategic production decision to minimize distractions for the telecast.
This slight distance meant we completely missed some of the surprise cameos! I only found out about Cardi B, Alix Earle, Pedro Pascal, and Jessica Alba’s quick appearances thanks to excited texts from my friends watching at home.
But there was absolutely no missing Lady Gaga. When she appeared to belt out a salsa version of “Die With a Smile,” the crowd, including yours truly, absolutely lost it. I was too busy crying tears of pure joy to even snap a photo!
A Halftime Wedding and a Powerful Message
The surprise halftime wedding was a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but truly special. Watching the couple say “I do” was sweet, and it was even cooler to later learn from ESPN that Bad Bunny had invited them to get married during his Super Bowl performance after they originally invited him to their wedding!
As the show progressed, Bad Bunny and his dancers made their way to our side of the field for the “Parade of the Americas,” carrying flags from various North and South American countries.
The grand finale was truly impactful. As fireworks lit up the California sky, a powerful message illuminated the stadium: “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.”
This echoed Bad Bunny’s moving Grammys acceptance speech from the previous week. The stadium erupted as he launched into “DTMF,” his statement visible for all to see, regardless of our seats.
As the last firework faded, I knew I had just witnessed something truly historic. And yes, my parents absolutely loved it. Mission accomplished!
Read More About This Story:
- I was in the stands for Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show. Here’s what it was like. (businessinsider.com)