Billy Ray Cyrus Faces Onstage Meltdown at Trump Inaugural Ball

Country music star Billy Ray Cyrus made headlines for all the wrong reasons during his performance at President Donald Trump’s Liberty Inaugural Ball on January 20, 2025. The event, meant to celebrate the start of Trump’s new term, took an unexpected turn when technical difficulties derailed Cyrus’s highly anticipated set.

The trouble began during his performance of the iconic hit “Old Town Road.” Cyrus’s guitar, central to the performance, abruptly malfunctioned, leaving the star visibly frustrated. He addressed the crowd and stage crew, asking, “Is my guitar still on? I think they cut me off. I don’t hear my guitar anymore.” Despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue, the instrument remained silent.

Determined to continue, Cyrus improvised an a cappella rendition of his classic hit, “Achy Breaky Heart,” encouraging the audience to snap along in rhythm. While some in attendance applauded his efforts to salvage the performance, others described the scene as chaotic. Cyrus’s frustration became more apparent as the performance continued, and his disoriented demeanor raised eyebrows.

Social media quickly erupted with reactions, ranging from sympathy for the musician’s plight to criticism of the event’s production. Some questioned whether Cyrus was in the right state of mind during the performance, while others blamed the technical crew for failing to ensure a smooth set.

The night ended on a somber note for Cyrus, who was escorted offstage shortly after his set. While representatives for the singer have not yet commented, the incident has reignited conversations about the pressures of live performances and the unpredictability of high-profile events.

Despite the rocky night, Cyrus’s loyal fanbase has rallied behind him, flooding social media with messages of support. Whether this will mark a blip in his career or a turning point remains to be seen.