Billy Ray Cyrus’ performance at Donald Trump’s Liberty Ball following the presidential inauguration was met with criticism.
The 63-year-old singer took to the stage in Washington, DC, on Monday, January 20th, to perform a selection of his greatest hits. The setlist included his iconic “Achy breaky Heart” and his collaboration with Lil Nas X, “Old Town Road.”
However, the performance wasn’t without its hiccups. Technical difficulties plagued Cyrus during his set, causing a noticeable disruption to the flow of the performance. At one point, after finishing “Old Town Road,” Cyrus paused and addressed the technical crew, asking, “Is my guitar still on?”
These technical issues, coupled with some vocal difficulties, led to a performance that many considered less than stellar.
billy Ray Cyrus’s Liberty Ball Performance Sparks controversy
Billy Ray Cyrus’s performance at Donald Trump’s Liberty Ball in 2025 stirred up a whirlwind of mixed reactions.While some might have appreciated his enduring passion for country music, others couldn’t help but scrutinize his stage presence and the sound of his voice.
Midway through his set, Cyrus encountered a technical issue with his guitar, leaving him momentarily speechless. “I think they cut me off. I don’t hear my guitar anymore,” he exclaimed, holding the instrument aloft with a bewildered expression. He then called out to the backstage crew, asking, “is anyone awake?”
Undeterred, Cyrus continued to engage with the audience, “I don’t hear it? Do ya’ll hear it?” he questioned, his voice carrying a hint of frustration. “Is anyone back there? Can somebody turn my guitar back on? We’re going to sing a bit more.” He then quipped, “Y’all want me to sing more or you just want me to get the hell off the stage? I don’t give a damn.”
a crew member emerged to rectify the technical snag,allowing Cyrus to resume his performance. ”When you have technical difficulties you got to just keep going,” he declared, channeling a sentiment that resonated with the spirit of persevering through challenges. “Or as President Trump would say, you got to fight!”
The performance itself generated a wave of commentary online, with social media buzzing with diverse opinions. One X (formerly Twitter) user declared, “Billy Ray Cyrus’ performance at Donald Trump’s inaugural liberty Ball is an epic disaster,” while another commented, “That Billy Ray Cyrus ‘performance’ at Liberty ball was absolutely pathetic. worst s*** I’ve seen in a while,”
Cyrus’s attire also came under scrutiny, with some comparing his look to that of Captain Jack Sparrow. “When did he turn into Captain Jack Sparrow?” one fan remarked.
Billy Ray Cyrus’s performance at Donald Trump’s inaugural Liberty Ball on Monday night sparked a wave of criticism online. Viewers expressed disappointment with Cyrus’s vocal performance, accusing him of lip-syncing and questioning if he was truly even singing live. The controversy intensified when video footage surfaced showing the musician’s performance seemingly synchronized to the music video of his hit song, “Old Country Road,” with Lil Nas X.
“Billy Ray Cyrus, clearly lip-syncing, looks like he crawled out from under a bridge before this weak performance at Donald Trump’s inaugural Liberty Ball,” one critic wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “So embarrassing.”
Another viewer added, “Why does Billy ray Cyrus look so out of it ?? It doesn’t even look like him. You can totally tell he’s lip syncing.This is horrible.”
The performance wasn’t just met with criticism for its lackluster vocals. Cyrus’s attire also drew attention, with many commenting on his eclectic combination of a black jacket, dark-washed jeans, a multi-colored scarf, and a cowboy hat.
“Billy Ray Cyrus or captain Jack sparrow … you tell me,” one user quipped on X, referencing the eccentric pirate character from the popular Pirates of the Caribbean film series.
Another echoed the sentiment: “When did Billy ray Cyrus turn into Captain Jack Sparrow!?!?!” they exclaimed. “What the f*** was that!?!?!?”
Cyrus wasn’t the only performer at Trump’s three inaugural balls that night. Kid Rock, the Village People, Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and Parker McCollum also took the stage.
A Night of Music and Inspiration at Freedom Fest
Freedom Fest 2023 brought together thousands of people for a night of music, festivity, and community. The lineup featured a diverse range of performers, from Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw to the powerful Liberty University Praise Choir, whose soaring vocals left a lasting impression on the crowd. The event’s vibrant atmosphere showcased the unifying power of music, transcending age, background, and belief.
“It was an incredible night of music and unity,” shared one attendee.”Gavin DeGraw’s performance was electrifying, and the Liberty University Praise Choir’s message of hope was truly inspiring.”
Freedom Fest’s success lies not only in its star-studded lineup but also in its commitment to fostering a sense of belonging. The festival provided a platform for local artists and vendors, creating a space where diverse voices could be heard and celebrated. This inclusive spirit resonated with attendees,contributing to the event’s overall positive impact.
What motivated Billy Ray Cyrus too continue performing despite his guitar malfunctioning at the Liberty Ball?
[Archyde – Interview] Billy Ray Cyrus: “I Don’t Give a Damn if I Sing Acapella for the President”
Archyde: Mr. Cyrus, thank you for joining us today. we can’t start without discussing your performance at the Liberty Ball following President Trump’s inauguration.What was going through your mind when you realized your guitar wasn’t working?
Billy Ray Cyrus: Thanks for having me. Well, I was in the middle of a song, and suddenly, my guitar just cut out. I remember thinking, “Oh boy, here we go.” But you know, it’s live TV, and things happen.
Archyde: You handled it quite well, addressing the crew and even engaging with the audience. But some critics said your voice sounded strained. Did you feel like you were having vocal difficulties?
Billy Ray Cyrus: I’ve been singing for decades, and you’re right, my voice isn’t what it used to be. But I’ll tell you, when you’re up there, the adrenaline kicks in, and you just do what you’ve got to do. As for the critics, everyone’s entitled to their opinion, but I was up there giving my best for the president and the American people.
Archyde: Speaking of the president, you’ve been criticized for supporting him. How do you respond to those who say your political leanings are at odds with your country music image?
Billy ray Cyrus: I’ve always been a guy who speaks his mind, and my politics are just a part of who I am. As for my image, I’ve been doing this a long time, and I think people know that I’m genuine and true to myself. If thay don’t like it, well, I’m okay with that.
Archyde: Let’s lighten things up a bit. You had a great line back at the Liberty Ball: “Y’all want me to sing more or you just want me to get the hell off the stage? I don’t give a damn.” Did you expect that to get as much attention as it did?
Billy Ray Cyrus: [Laughs] No, not at all. it was just a moment. I was frustrated, but I was also having a bit of fun with it. it’s live TV, remember? I was just keeping it real, and the audience responded. I’m glad they got a kick out of it.
Archyde: Mr. Cyrus,what advice do you have for musicians who might find themselves in a similar situation on stage?
Billy Ray Cyrus: roll with it. If something goes wrong, don’t let it rattle you.Remember why you started doing this in the frist place – because you love music and you love performing. So, go out there, give it your all, and don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks.
Archyde: Wise words from a.warned country music veteran. Thank you, Mr.Cyrus, for your time and for being our guest today.
Billy Ray Cyrus: My pleasure. Thank you for having me.
