The Super Bowl half-time shows, while typically brief, have incited substantial controversy over the years due to specific moments that resonate with cultural and political tensions. Iconic examples include the 2004 incident involving Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake, where a wardrobe malfunction led to a nationwide conversation about decency in broadcasting. Similarly, performances have tackled social issues, such as Jennifer Lopez's staging of caged children in 2020, which criticized the U.S. immigration policies affecting minors at the border.

The Super Bowl half-time performance serves not only as entertainment but also as a platform for artists to express deeper social messages. Kendrick Lamar's performance, viewed directly by Donald Trump, is another instance where art and commentary intersected, showcasing narratives of race and inequality that resonate beyond sports. Each half-time show amplifies themes through fashion, choreography, and symbolism, inviting the audience to interpret these performances in varied ways, often leading to intense public discussions.

The upcoming performance by Bad Bunny is positioned within this legacy of controversial half-time shows, reflecting the evolving nature of the event as a mirror of societal issues, particularly those pertaining to Latin culture and identity. As expectations and scrutiny heighten, artists are challenged to balance entertainment with meaningful commentary, continuing the trend of Super Bowl half-time shows as pivotal cultural flashpoints.