Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus took a central place in President Donald TrumpThe inaugural Liberty Ball on January 20, 2025, which performed a performance that became the subject of intense online debate. The 63-year-old singer's series was marked by a series of technical difficulties and a polarizing stage presence that worried fans.

Cyrus opened his performance with his hit collaboration from 2019 Lil Nas X"Old Town Road." However, technical problems disrupted the set, forcing him to switch to an a cappella version after his equipment broke down. In the middle of the song, he called for help from the backstage crew, but the performance continued to face challenges.

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 seek professional help.

For much of his set, Cyrus appeared to be focused on the large projectors behind him, which were showing the music video for his hit collaboration, "Old Town Road." Instead of delivering a live performance, he appeared to be quietly mumbling 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 the lyrics of the hit song in a monotone, prompting the audience to sing along as he roamed the stage without a backing track.

He later attempted to play his 1992 hit, "Achy Breaky Heart," but encountered additional problems with the guitar and microphone.

Resorting to another a cappella performance, Cyrus walked around snapping her fingers and mouthing the lyrics instead of singing them. At one point, he quipped to the audience: "Check? Is anyone awake? Do you all want me to sing more or do you want me to just get off the stage?"

After an online discussion surrounding his controversial performance, Billy Ray Cyrus spoke up PEOPLE Magazine on January 22, where he reflected on the experience.

Despite the mishaps, Cyrus maintained a positive attitude and drew on 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 playing this event whether my microphone, guitar or monitors were working or not. I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me," the country singer told the magazine. "Last night I had a ball at the Liberty Ball, and I've learned over the years that when a producer says, 'You're on,' you're going to entertain the people even if the equipment goes to hell. I was there for the people, and we had fun. It's called rock and roll!"

After seeing the performance, many fans expressed heartbreak and concern over the presence of the country star on stage. The singer's set, marked by technical difficulties and uncharacteristic behavior, left viewers divided, with some urging him to seek help.

“This broke my heart… he was such a heartbreaker at the time. It's not funny, this man needs help...many prayers for him to get help!” one user commented, echoing a sentiment shared by many. Another wrote: "It was so sad... Prayers for him," while someone else added: "Oh 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. Worst shit I've seen in a while," one user remarked. Another added: "Looks like Billy Ray Cyrus had a lot more than just TECHNICAL PROBLEMS going on at the Liberty Ball right now!"