5 Shocking Moments From The Billy Ray Cyrus Inauguration Video That Sparked A 'Disaster' Label

The "Billy Ray Cyrus inauguration video" remains one of the most talked-about and controversial performances in modern political entertainment history, a moment the country star himself later described as a "disaster." This performance, which took place during the 2017 Presidential Inauguration festivities, was plagued by severe technical difficulties and awkward on-stage moments that quickly went viral, cementing its place in pop culture infamy. Now, in December 2025, as Cyrus makes headlines for both legal victories and his high-profile relationship with Elizabeth Hurley, fans are revisiting the cringeworthy footage to understand exactly what went wrong during his set at the Liberty Inaugural Ball.

The incident was a stark reminder of how quickly a live performance can unravel under intense public scrutiny, especially at an event as politically charged as a presidential inauguration. The video footage captured the country music legend, known globally for his smash hit "Achy Breaky Heart," visibly struggling as technical issues forced him to ad-lib and wander the stage, leading to a performance that sparked concern among fans and critics alike. The fallout was immediate, but the full story of the night, and Cyrus's subsequent explanation, reveals a deeper look into the pressures of performing on the global stage.

Billy Ray Cyrus: A Brief Biography & Career Profile

Billy Ray Cyrus has carved out a multi-decade career that spans country music superstardom, acting, and a prominent role in one of Hollywood’s most famous families. His journey from a small-town Kentucky boy to a global icon is marked by both phenomenal highs and notable controversies.

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• Full Name: William "Billy" Ray Cyrus
• Born: August 25, 1961 (Age 64 as of December 2025)
• Birthplace: Flatwoods, Kentucky, U.S.
• Major Breakthrough: The 1992 release of his debut album, Some Gave All, which went 9x multi-platinum.
• Signature Song: "Achy Breaky Heart" (1992), a massive crossover hit that dominated both country and pop charts globally.
• Awards: Two-time GRAMMY® winner, multiple CMA Awards, and more.
• Acting Career: Best known for his starring role as Robby Ray Stewart on the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana, alongside his daughter, Miley Cyrus.
• Recent News (December 2025): Currently in the news for a legal victory against a woman claiming to be Miley's mother and for attending the CMA Awards with his partner, Elizabeth Hurley, while reportedly engaging in couples therapy to work on relationship issues.

The Five Disastrous Moments of the Liberty Inaugural Ball Performance

The performance in question took place on January 20, 2017, at the Liberty Inaugural Ball, one of the official celebrations for the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump. What was intended to be a celebratory set quickly devolved into a widely criticized spectacle, captured forever in the viral "Billy Ray Cyrus inauguration video."

1. The Initial Technical Meltdown

The most immediate issue was the complete failure of the on-stage sound equipment. As Cyrus began his set, the music was reportedly non-existent or heavily distorted, leaving the seasoned performer exposed and unable to sing along to a proper track. This severe technical disruption forced the singer to try and perform without proper monitoring, a challenge for even the most experienced musicians. He later blamed the whole debacle on "achy breaky music equipment," a wry nod to his biggest hit.

2. The 'Aimlessly Wandering' Stage Presence

With the music track failing, the video shows Billy Ray Cyrus looking visibly confused and trying to connect with an audience that was also struggling to hear him. Reports and video clips from the event show him "aimlessly wandering the stage" as he tried to figure out what was going wrong and how to salvage the performance. This uncharacteristic lack of focus from a professional performer fueled immediate concern among viewers on social media.

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3. The Cringeworthy 'Is Anybody Awake?' Quip

In one of the most quoted moments from the viral video, Cyrus attempted to engage the increasingly quiet and confused crowd with an awkward ad-lib. After one particularly long pause, he leaned into the microphone and asked, "Is anybody awake?" This comment, intended to break the ice, inadvertently highlighted the lifeless atmosphere and the "train-wreck" nature of the performance, becoming a meme-worthy moment that defined the video.

4. The Struggle with "Old Town Road" and "Achy Breaky Heart"

Cyrus attempted to perform several songs, including his signature hit "Achy Breaky Heart" and a rendition of "Old Town Road," which had recently brought him a new wave of relevance and a GRAMMY win through his collaboration with Lil Nas X. However, the ongoing technical issues made both performances a struggle. The video footage of him trying to deliver these iconic tracks without a cohesive backing track or clear vocals is what led many outlets to label the entire gig a "cringeworthy" disaster.

5. The Backlash and Public Concern

The immediate fallout from the inauguration video was intense. Social media exploded with comments ranging from criticism of his political choice to perform, to genuine concern over his well-being. The musician clapped back at the criticism, insisting he had a "ball at the Liberty Ball," but the damage to his public image was done. Even his ex-wife, Firerose, later commented on the "very sad" performance, highlighting how deeply the incident resonated across his personal and professional circles.

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The Aftermath: Technical Fault or Something More?

Following the highly publicized event, the debate centered on whether the performance was a result of technical incompetence or a sign of deeper issues. Billy Ray Cyrus maintained that the fault lay entirely with the equipment and the sound crew.

Cyrus's Official Explanation

In his official statement, Cyrus was adamant that the technical problems were the sole cause of the poor showing. He explained that the stage was not properly set up for his band, leading to the severe audio failures that made it impossible for him to hear himself or the music. This explanation, while plausible, did little to quell the social media frenzy surrounding the viral video. He also defended his decision to perform, stating, "I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me," emphasizing his role as an invited musician rather than a political advocate.

The Topical Authority of "Disaster" Performances

The "disastrous performance" entity is a recurring theme in celebrity culture, and the Billy Ray Cyrus inauguration video became a textbook example. Unlike other artists who may have simply given a lackluster performance, Cyrus's set was defined by an undeniable technical collapse on a national stage. This event cemented the term "Liberty Inaugural Ball disaster" in the topical authority surrounding presidential inauguration entertainment, alongside other high-profile, controversial appearances.

Billy Ray Cyrus Today: Moving Past the Viral Moment (December 2025 Updates)

Despite the unforgettable viral moment of the 2017 inauguration, Billy Ray Cyrus’s career continues to evolve. His ability to remain relevant, especially through his collaboration on "Old Town Road" and his continued presence in the entertainment world, showcases his resilience.

As of December 2025, Cyrus is navigating a busy personal life. His relationship with actress Elizabeth Hurley is under the spotlight, with reports indicating the couple is utilizing couples therapy to address relationship issues, demonstrating his willingness to be open about personal challenges. Furthermore, the country star recently secured a legal victory in a bizarre case involving a woman who falsely claimed to be the mother of his daughter, Miley Cyrus, a testament to his ongoing need to protect his family and privacy. He was also seen congratulating his daughter Miley Cyrus and Beyoncé on their 2025 GRAMMY wins, showing his continued support for the next generation of musical talent.

The "Billy Ray Cyrus inauguration video" will forever be a part of his legacy, but it is clear that the veteran entertainer has moved past the momentary embarrassment. He continues to perform, record, and handle the complexities of a life lived in the public eye, proving that even a "cringeworthy" viral moment cannot derail a decades-long career.