Billy Ray Cyrus’ performance at Trump inauguration branded an ‘epic disaster’ after he asks if anybody’s awake
Share:
Billy Ray Cyrus has claimed his equipment ‘went to hell’ after his performance at Donald Trump’s inauguration was plagued with technical difficulties. First, there was an emergency a capella moment from country singer Carrie Underwood, who was already facing backlash for being involved at all.
![[Billy Ray Cyrus performs during the Liberty Ball on Inauguration Day of Donald Trump's second presidential term in Washington, U.S., January 20, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_236757561-d027.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Then came Billy Ray Cyrus’ chaotic performance, which viewers have declared was an ‘epic disaster’ after his guitar was silenced and the lights cut out. In the wake of the disastrous performance, Cyrus exclusively told People magazine: ‘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.’.
![[Newly-Sworn In President Donald Trump Attends Inaugural Balls]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-2195001674.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=594)
He continued in the January 22 statement: ‘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!!!’.
The 62-year-old singer was interacting with the crowd during Old Town Road — a song he collaborated on in 2019 with Lil Nas X. He then returned to the microphone stand to sing his biggest hit, 1992’s Achy Breaky Heart, but there was no sound coming from his guitar.
![[Rob Zombie In Concert - Atlanta, Georgia]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-857303522.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘Is my guitar still on? I think they cut me off,’ he said moments after claiming he was asked to fill time at the Liberty Ball. Cyrus, who is the father of Miley Cyrus, continued: ‘Is my guitar on guys? I don’t hear my guitar anymore. Uh, check, is anybody awake?’.
![[2017 Billboard Music Awards - Backstage and Audience]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-686518430.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=418)
