Event

Billy Ray Cyrus’ Infamous Performance at Trump Inauguration: A Meltdown on Stage

Published January 21, 2025

Billy Ray Cyrus took the stage at the inauguration events for Donald Trump on January 20, an appearance that quickly became infamous due to numerous challenges. Fans and observers reacted across social media as the singer’s performance at the Liberty Ball faced a series of technical difficulties.

Technical Glitches and Delays

The 63-year-old country star was set to perform during the presidential inauguration but was delayed as the evening’s schedule shifted. When Cyrus finally began his performance, it was marred by audio and lighting issues. Reports indicated that he struggled to stay audible as his microphone failed and the stage lights did not adequately illuminate him. This set the tone for what would be a memorable, yet chaotic, performance.

A Struggling Performance

Cyrus attempted to open with his well-known hit, the Old Town Road, originally in collaboration with Lil Nas X. However, Lil Nas X was notably absent during the performance. Reports stated that the music video played behind Cyrus drowned out his vocals, making it difficult for the audience to hear him. In between songs, Cyrus engaged with the crowd, humorously questioning whether anyone was awake and if they still wanted to see more of his set.

"Is my guitar still on? I think they cut me off. I don’t hear my guitar anymore,” he expressed to the audience, showing his frustration with the technical mishaps. He continued, “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.” Ultimately, when a crew member resolved the audio problems, Cyrus made light of the situation, quipping, “When you have technical difficulties, you got to just keep going.”

Social Media Reactions

Viewers took to social media to share their opinions on the performance, with many criticizing the execution. One comment noted it as an “epic disaster,” while another called it “possibly the cringiest few minutes in entertainment history.” As the performance unfolded, fans commented on Cyrus’s appearance, comparing him to figures like Rob Zombie and Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean.

The fallout from the performance did not just end with humor; some viewers expressed concern for Cyrus, acknowledging that he might be dealing with personal issues, yet still found it difficult to watch. A common sentiment included, “Who signed off on Billy Ray Cyrus performing tonight? They should be fired immediately.”

Conclusion

Billy Ray Cyrus’s performance at the Liberty Ball during Trump’s inauguration is likely to be remembered as a moment filled with both laughter and cringe, illustrating the unpredictable nature of live performances.

performance, inauguration, meltdown