Billy Ray Cyrus breaks the silence at his inaugural performance

Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus took center stage at president donald trumpAt the inaugural Liberty Ball on January 20, 2025, who gave a performance that became the subject of intense online debate. The 63-year-old singer's set was marred by a series of technical difficulties and a polarizing stage presence that left fans concerned.

Cyrus kicked off his performance with his 2019 hit collaboration with Lil Nas X“Old Town Road”. However, technical problems disrupted the set, forcing him to switch to an a cappella version after an equipment malfunction. Mid-song, he called for help from the backstage crew, but the performance continued to face challenges.

Critics on social media described his voice as “gross” and compared the scene to Jackson Maine's downward spiral in A Star Is Born, while other TikTok users even advised Billy Ray Cyrus to seek professional help.

Throughout his set, Cyrus seemed focused on the large projectors behind him, which were showing the music video for his hit collaboration “Old Town Road.” Instead of performing live, he appeared to quietly mumble parts of his song into the microphone, his voice barely distinguishable from the recording playing in the background.

The performance took another unexpected turn when Cyrus started repeating the lyrics to the hit in a monotone, encouraging the audience to sing along as he wandered around the stage without a backing track.

He later attempted to perform his 1992 breakout hit, “Achy Breaky Heart,” but encountered further problems with his guitar and microphone.

For another a cappella rendition, Cyrus walked around shaking her fingers and speaking the lyrics instead of singing them. At one point, he quipped to the audience: “Check? Is anyone awake? You want me to sing more, or do you want me to just get off the stage?”

After an online discussion about his controversial performance, Billy Ray Cyrus spoke with PEOPLE magazine on January 22, where he reflected on the experience.

Despite the setbacks, Cyrus remained positive and echoed President Trump's rhetoric, noting, “In life, when you have technical difficulties, you just have to keep going, or as President Trump would say, 'You have to fight.'”

“I wouldn't have passed up the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar or monitors were working or not. I was there because President Donald Trump invited me,” the country singer told the magazine. “I had the Liberty Ball last night, and what I've learned over the years is when a producer says, 'You're on,' you're going to entertain the people, even if the equipment goes to hell. I was there for the people, and we had a blast.” It's called rock and roll!

After watching the performance, many fans expressed heartbreak and dismay at the presence of the country star on stage. The singer's set, characterized by technical difficulties and uncharacteristic behavior, left the audience divided, with some calling for her to get help.

“It broke my heart… he was such a heartbreaker at the time. This is not funny, this man needs help…many prayers for him to get help! one user commented, echoing the sentiment shared by many. Another wrote: “That was very sad…Prayers for him,” while another added: “Wow, this is very sad on so many levels.”

Others were less sympathetic, openly criticizing Cyrus' performance. “That Billy Ray Cyrus performance at the Liberty Ball was absolutely pathetic. Worst horror I've seen in a while,” noted one user. Another added: “Looks like Billy Ray Cyrus had a LOT more than just a TECHNICAL PROBLEM that just happened at the Liberty Ball!”