Billy Ray Cyrus Overcomes Technical Setbacks with A Cappella ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ at Liberty Ball
On January 20, 2025, country music artist Billy Ray Cyrus took the stage at the Liberty Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C., part of the celebrations marking President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The event, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, was attended by numerous dignitaries, supporters, and fellow performers.
Cyrus began his set with the music video for “Old Town Road,” his Grammy-winning collaboration with Lil Nas X, playing on the venue’s LED screen. As the video played, Cyrus appeared to sing and play along on his guitar; however, his live vocals were inaudible over the pre-recorded track. Following the video, he attempted to engage the audience by whistling the tune and encouraging a sing-along. He then moved to perform his 1992 hit “Achy Breaky Heart,” but encountered further issues when his guitar became inaudible. Expressing frustration, Cyrus asked the crew for assistance, inquiring, “Is my guitar on? I don’t hear my guitar anymore.” Despite efforts to resolve the problem, the technical difficulties persisted.
Demonstrating professionalism, Cyrus decided to continue without instrumental support, stating, “After what Carrie Underwood did today… Wasn’t Carrie Underwood fabulous?” This reference was to Underwood’s earlier a cappella performance of “America the Beautiful” during the inauguration ceremony, which also faced technical issues. Cyrus then delivered an a cappella rendition of “Achy Breaky Heart,” encouraging the audience to snap their fingers along. After completing the song, he expressed gratitude and concluded his performance.
The challenges did not end there. As Cyrus attempted to leave the stage, the house lights dimmed, and his song “Could’ve Been Me” played over the speakers. He returned to the microphone, seemingly to sing along, but found it had been turned off. This led to an awkward moment where he wandered the stage, bowing and waving to the audience, while crew members tried to guide him offstage.
Audience reactions were mixed. Some attendees appreciated Cyrus’s determination to continue despite the setbacks, while others described the performance as disjointed and confusing. On social media, viewers expressed concern and criticism, with some questioning his condition during the show.
In the aftermath, Cyrus addressed the situation on social media, sharing photos from the event and expressing honor in performing at the request of President Trump. He acknowledged the technical difficulties, stating, “When you get knocked down, you get back up. You fight and persevere.”
The Liberty Inaugural Ball also featured performances by other artists, including Jason Aldean and the Village People. Despite the technical issues faced by Cyrus, the event proceeded with a celebratory atmosphere, marking the commencement of President Trump’s second term.
In conclusion, Billy Ray Cyrus’s performance at the Liberty Inaugural Ball was marked by significant technical challenges. His decision to continue performing, even a cappella, showcased his commitment to entertaining the audience despite unforeseen obstacles. The incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of live performances and the importance of adaptability in the face of adversity.
