Billy Ray Cyrus’s Inauguration Meltdown: A Musical Disaster at the Liberty Ball

Billy Ray Cyrus’s performance at the Liberty Inaugural Ball during President Donald Trump’s inauguration was marred by technical difficulties. Despite these issues, Cyrus persevered, performing Old Town Road with a pre-recorded video and then switching to an a cappella version of Achy Breaky Heart. The audience was left confused as Cyrus struggled with his guitar, prompting him to ask if anyone was awake. The performance was widely criticized on social media, with many calling it an epic disaster. Despite the challenges, Cyrus remained positive, crediting fellow performer Carrie Underwood for her own technical difficulties during the ceremony.

Billy Ray Cyrus’s Inauguration Meltdown: A Musical Disaster at the Liberty Ball
On January 20, 2025, Billy Ray Cyrus took the stage at the Liberty Inaugural Ball to kick off President Donald Trump’s inauguration celebrations. However, the performance quickly turned into a disaster due to technical difficulties. The event was plagued by issues with Cyrus’s guitar and microphone, which left him unable to perform as intended.

The evening began with a pre-recorded video of Cyrus’s hit song “Old Town Road,” featuring Lil Nas X. However, when the video ended, Cyrus attempted to sing and play his guitar, but his vocals were inaudible over the track. He then tried to continue with an a cappella version of “Achy Breaky Heart,” but his guitar remained silent. Frustrated and confused, Cyrus called out to the crew, asking if anyone was awake and if his guitar was still on.
Despite these challenges, Cyrus showed remarkable resilience. Inspired by fellow performer Carrie Underwood, who had also faced technical difficulties earlier in the ceremony, Cyrus decided to go without his guitar and perform a cappella. He sang a verse and chorus of “Achy Breaky Heart,” but the performance was cut short when he realized his microphone had been cut off.
Cyrus’s performance was widely criticized on social media, with many calling it an “epic disaster.” However, the singer remained positive, crediting Underwood for her own technical difficulties and praising the audience for their support. In a statement on Instagram, Cyrus said, “I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not. I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me. I had a ball at the Liberty Ball last night and I’ve learned through all these years when the producer says ‘you’re on,’ you go entertain the folks even if the equipment goes to hell. I was there for the people and we had a blast. That’s called rock n roll!!!”

What was the occasion for Billy Ray Cyrus’s performance?
Answer: The performance was part of President Donald Trump’s inauguration celebrations at the Liberty Inaugural Ball.
What were the main technical difficulties faced by Billy Ray Cyrus?
Answer: The main issues were with his guitar and microphone, which were inaudible or not functioning properly.
How did Billy Ray Cyrus initially start his performance?
Answer: He started with a pre-recorded video of “Old Town Road” featuring Lil Nas X.
What song did Billy Ray Cyrus attempt to perform a cappella?
Answer: He attempted to perform “Achy Breaky Heart” a cappella.
Who else experienced technical difficulties during the inauguration ceremony?
Answer: Fellow country singer Carrie Underwood also faced technical issues while performing “America the Beautiful.”
How did Billy Ray Cyrus respond to the technical difficulties?
Answer: He remained positive and continued to perform, even without his guitar, inspired by Underwood’s resilience.
What did Billy Ray Cyrus say about his performance on social media?
Answer: He stated that he wouldn’t have missed the event even if the equipment didn’t work and praised the audience for their support.
What was the overall reaction to Billy Ray Cyrus’s performance on social media?
Answer: The performance was widely criticized as an “epic disaster,” but Cyrus remained positive.
How did Billy Ray Cyrus end his performance?
Answer: He ended his performance by singing a verse and chorus of “Achy Breaky Heart” a cappella, but was cut off when his microphone was turned off.
What lesson did Billy Ray Cyrus take away from the experience?
Answer: He learned that when technical difficulties arise, one must continue to entertain the audience, as that is part of rock n roll.

Billy Ray Cyrus’s performance at the Liberty Inaugural Ball was a memorable, albeit chaotic, moment in the inauguration celebrations. Despite the technical difficulties that plagued his set, Cyrus showed remarkable resilience and continued to entertain the audience. His ability to adapt and perform a cappella, inspired by Carrie Underwood’s own challenges, was a testament to his dedication to his craft. While the performance was widely criticized, it also highlighted the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.