Billy Ray Cyrus breaks his silence during his inauguration speech

Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus took center stage in President Donald TrumpFirst Freedom Ball on January 20, 2025, a performance that has become the subject of intense debate online. The 63-year-old singer’s performance was marred by a number of technical difficulties and a polarizing performance on stage that left fans worried.

Cyrus opened her performance with the joint 2019 hit Lil Nas X“Old City Road”. However, technical problems derailed the set, forcing him to switch to an a cappella version after his equipment malfunctioned. In the middle of the song, he asked for help from the team backstage, but the performance continued to face problems.

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

For much of the set, Cyrus seemed focused on the large projectors in the back that were showing the music video for his collaborative hit song “Old Town Road.” Instead of performing live, he appeared to quietly mumble his parts of the song into the microphone, his voice almost indistinguishable from the recording playing in the background.

The performance took another unexpected turn when Cyrus began repeating lyrics from the hit song in a monotone voice, encouraging the audience to sing along as he wandered around the stage without a soundtrack.

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

Turning to another a cappella performance, Cyrus walked around snapping her fingers and mouthing the lyrics rather than singing them. At one point he quipped to the audience: “Check? Is anyone awake? Do you want me to sing some more or do you want me to just leave the stage?”

Following the online debate surrounding his controversial performance, Billy Ray Cyrus spoke with PEOPLE magazine 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 pass up the honor of performing at this event whether my microphone, guitar or monitors were working or not. I was there because I was invited by President Donald J. Trump,” the country music artist told the magazine. “I had a ball last night at the Liberty Ball, and what I’ve learned over the years is when a producer says, ‘You’re in,’ you’re going to entertain people, even if the equipment is going to hell. I was there folks and we had a blast, it’s called rock and roll!”

After seeing the performance, many fans expressed grief and concern over the presence of the country star on stage. The singer’s performance, marked by technical problems and uncharacteristic behavior, divided the audience, with some urging him to seek help.

“It broke my heart… he was such a heartthrob at the time. This is not funny, this man needs help… lots of prayers for him to get help!” one user commented, reflecting a sentiment shared by many. Another wrote: “This was so sad…Prayers for him,” while someone else added: “Wow…this is beyond 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. The worst shit I’ve seen in a while,” one user noted. Another added: “Looks like Billy Ray Cyrus had a LOT more than just the TECHNICAL PROBLEMS going on at the Liberty Ball just now!”