Billy Ray Cyrus Performed At Donald Trump’s Inauguration Ball
During Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th president of the United States, Billy Ray Cyrus was asked to perform at his Liberty Ball.
Many Americans felt the singer’s performance was strange.
He walked out on stage while an official “Old Town Road” video played in the background. Strumming his guitar, he sang along and interacted with the crowd.
However, his guitar stopped working after the video ended, and no band members came on stage. He continued singing a cappella, recalling a similar incident with Carrie Underwood during the inauguration when she faced technical difficulties and performed “America the Beautiful” without music during Trump’s swearing-in ceremony.
Cyrus said, “Wasn’t Carrie Underwood fabulous? They had technical difficulties too. And in life, when you have technical difficulties, you just gotta keep going. Or as President Trump would say, ‘You gotta fight!
The singer’s raspy voice and peculiar performance made fans question whether the issues were truly technical difficulties.
Some even speculated that drugs or alcohol might have been involved.
Some are saying that his perf was terrible and he was drunk or high or both. I think that’s why Jason Aldean is performing a whole concert because he had to fill the time since Billy Ray was basically kicked off.
Did we just witness Billy Ray’s farewell performance? pic.twitter.com/ZHaX3QdjLa
— ƧӇƠƇƘƧ_ƧƧ ⚖️ (@NOTW1221) January 21, 2025
RELATED: Billy Ray Cyrus’ Inaugural Ball Performance Cut Short: What Really Happened?
Billy Ray Cyrus Responds To Criticism About His Inauguration Performance
The following day, Billy Ray Cyrus posted a statement about the bizarre inauguration performance on social media, maintaining that it was a faulty equipment problem. He 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!!!”
He reiterated his belief that the performance was just “rock and roll” and insisted that you had to experience it to understand. “This was the most fun part of the Liberty Ball! And if you didn’t see it… you just had to be there. I just don’t think you understand.”
Watch his performance below.
Trace Cyrus’ Open Letter To Billy Ray Cyrus
After the performance aired, fans expressed concern for the singer’s well-being, and at least one of his family members shares the same concerns.
Trace Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus’ adopted son with his ex-wife Tish Cyrus, took to Instagram to share his thoughts in an open letter to his father. He began the post by acknowledging that his father might be upset with him for sharing these sentiments, but his concern outweighed his desire to protect his father’s feelings. He then said:
“Since my earliest memories all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever. I wanted to be just like you. The day you adopted me was the happiest day of my life. Sadly the man that I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now. It seems this world has beaten you down and it’s become obvious to everyone but you.”
Trace mentioned that he and his sisters—Miley Cyrus, Noah Cyrus, and Brandi Cyrus— are all genuinely worried about their father.
He continued to express his concern with a plea to help him.
“You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it. Just like I showed up for you at mamaws funeral when you didn’t expect me to I’m still here right now. As I write this with tears in my eyes I hope you realize this message only comes from a place of love and also fear that the world may lose you far too soon. I love you Dad. We haven’t talked in a while but I’m over a year and half clean from alcohol. Guess what? I feel amazing.. I don’t know what you’re struggling with exactly but I think I have a pretty good idea & I’d love to help you if you would open up and receive the help. You know how to reach me. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you.”
For more details, see the full post below.