Billy Ray Cyrus Breaks Silence at Inaugural Performance

Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus also took center stage President Donald TrumpThe opening ceremony of the Freedom Ball, held on January 20, 2025, featured a performance that became the subject of intense online discussion. The 63-year-old singer's set was marred by a series of technical difficulties and a polarizing stage presence that left fans worried.

Cyrus kicked off her performance with her 2019 hit collaboration Lil Nas X“Old Town Road.” But technical problems marred the set and forced him to switch to an a cappella version after his equipment malfunctioned. In the middle of the song, he called for help from the backstage crew, but the performance continued to be plagued with difficulties.

Critics on social media called her voice “scary” and compared the scene to the downward spiral in Jackson Man's “A Star Is Born,” while other TikTok users even suggested Billy Ray Cyrus get professional help.

For much of her set, Cyrus seemed focused on the large projectors behind her, showing the music video for her hit collaboration “Old Town Road.” Instead of performing live, he hums parts of the song quietly into the microphone, his voice almost indistinguishable from the recording in the background.

The performance took another unexpected turn when Cyrus began repeating the lyrics from the hit in a monotone, encouraging the audience to sing along as she strutted around the stage unsupported.

He then attempted to perform his 1992 song “Achy Breaky Heart”, but had further problems with the guitar and microphone.

Turning to another a cappella performance, Cyrus snapped her fingers and spoke the words rather than singing. At one point, he joked to the audience: “Check? Is anyone awake? Do you all want me to sing more or do you want me to get the hell off the stage?”

After online debate over her controversial performance, Billy Ray Cyrus has spoken out PEOPLE magazine On January 22, he reflected on his experience.

Despite the setbacks, Cyrus maintained a positive attitude, echoing President Trump's rhetoric, saying, “When you have technical difficulties in life, you just have to keep going, or as President Trump says, 'You have to fight.'

“Whether my microphone, guitar or monitors work or not, I would not pass up the honor of performing at this event. I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me,” the country music singer told the magazine. “I played a ball last night at the Liberty Ball and I learned that all these years the producer said, 'You're there,' even if the equipment goes to hell, you entertain the people. I was there. people and we call it rock 'n' roll!”

After watching the performance, many fans expressed heartbreak and concern over the country star's presence on stage. The singer's set, characterized by technical difficulties and unusual behavior, divided the audience, and some called for help.

“It broke my heart…he was such a heartthrob at the time. It's not funny, this guy needs help…he's praying a lot for help!” one user commented, echoing a sentiment shared by many. Another wrote, “It was so sad…Prayers for him,” while another added: “Wow wow…this is beyond sad on so many levels.”

Others were less sympathetic, openly criticizing Cyrus' performance. “Billy Ray Cyrus performance at the Liberty Ball was absolutely pathetic. Worst thing I've seen in a while,” one user noted. Another added: “Looks like Billy Ray Cyrus had A LOT MORE THAN just TECH ISSUES at the Freedom Ball!”