The 5 Most Shocking Moments From Billy Ray Cyrus's 'Trainwreck' Inauguration Video

The viral video of Billy Ray Cyrus's performance at the 2025 Presidential Inaugural Liberty Ball on Monday, January 20, 2025, has become one of the most talked-about and controversial celebrity political appearances in recent memory. The country music icon's 12-minute set was quickly dubbed a "trainwreck" and an "epic disaster" by media outlets and fans alike, sparking widespread concern over the singer's well-being and forcing him to issue a public statement.

The incident, which featured technical malfunctions, awkward stage presence, and an impromptu a cappella rendition of his most famous hit, immediately went viral across social media platforms, overshadowing other inaugural celebrations. This deep dive explores the chaotic moments captured on the infamous video, the star's explanation, and the significant fallout from the performance.

Billy Ray Cyrus: A Brief Biography and Recent Timeline

Billy Ray Cyrus is an American country singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to international fame in the early 1990s. His career has been marked by chart-topping hits, television roles, and a high-profile family life.

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• Full Name: William Ray Cyrus
• Born: August 25, 1961, in Flatwoods, Kentucky, U.S.
• Genre: Country, Country Pop, Southern Rock
• Breakthrough Hit: "Achy Breaky Heart" (1992)
• Notable Roles: Starred as Robby Ray Stewart in the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana (2006–2011) alongside his daughter, Miley Cyrus.
• Major Awards: Two-time CMA Awards winner.
• Recent Marriages/Divorces: Divorced from Tish Cyrus (2023). Married to musician Firerose (2023), but filed for divorce (2024).
• Recent Headlines (2025): Attended the 2025 CMA Awards and was involved in a dismissed paternity lawsuit, in addition to the inaugural controversy.

The 5 Most Chaotic Moments from the Liberty Ball Performance

The video footage of Billy Ray Cyrus's performance at the Liberty Ball, held following President Donald Trump's swearing-in on January 20, 2025, quickly became a source of intense scrutiny. The set was intended to be a celebratory moment but devolved into an awkward spectacle due to a combination of technical failure and the singer's visibly confused state.

1. The Brutal Technical Difficulties

The primary issue, according to Cyrus himself, was a series of severe technical difficulties that plagued the 12-minute performance from the outset. Reports indicate that the sound system, including the backing track and monitors, experienced brutal issues, forcing the country star to attempt to perform without proper equipment. This technical disruption immediately threw the performance off balance and created an atmosphere of confusion on stage.

2. The 'Achy Breaky Heart' A Cappella Attempt

In one of the most widely circulated clips from the video, Billy Ray Cyrus attempted to salvage the set by launching into an impromptu, a cappella rendition of his 1992 smash hit, "Achy Breaky Heart." The performance, devoid of the familiar instrumentation, was described by some viewers as "disastrously awkward." He reportedly looked out at the audience and asked, "Is anybody awake?"—a moment captured in the viral video that underscored the chaotic nature of the event.

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3. Aimlessly Wandering the Stage

Footage from the Liberty Ball shows the singer repeatedly wandering the stage in an aimless manner, a behavior that sparked significant concern among fans and family members who watched the live streams and subsequent videos. This stage presence, coupled with the sound issues, contributed to the overall perception that the performer was struggling or unwell. The combination of his movements and the lack of a coherent musical performance fueled the "trainwreck" narrative.

4. Apparent Escort Off Stage

Towards the end of the set, some video angles suggest that Cyrus was gently, but firmly, escorted off the stage by a member of the event staff or his team. While the exact circumstances are unclear, this moment solidified the public's view that the performance had been cut short or was managed due to the ongoing issues. It was a visible indication that the show was not proceeding as planned, adding another layer of controversy to the inaugural celebrations.

5. The Family and Fan Backlash

The most significant fallout came not just from the poor quality of the performance, but from the reaction of his inner circle. Fans of his daughter, Miley Cyrus, were quick to criticize his political appearance and the concerning video. More pointedly, his ex-wife, Firerose, broke her silence shortly after the event. In a statement to the media, she suggested that Billy Ray's concerning behavior "reflects much of what I [experienced]" during their relationship, linking the public spectacle to his private life struggles. This statement amplified the concerns about the country music icon's personal well-being.

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Billy Ray’s Official Statement and Explanation

Following the intense backlash and viral spread of the chaotic video, Billy Ray Cyrus released a statement addressing the incident. He was quick to attribute the issues directly to the technical difficulties experienced at the event.

The veteran musician downplayed the severity of the situation, characterizing the mishap as a normal occupational hazard in the world of live music. He stated that the technical failures were simply "all just part of rock 'n' roll," suggesting that overcoming such obstacles is part of being a seasoned performer.

However, many commentators and fans found the explanation insufficient, especially in light of the video footage that showed him looking disoriented and the public statement from Firerose. The event reignited discussions about his recent personal troubles, including his highly publicized divorce from Firerose and his strained relationship with his children, particularly Miley Cyrus.

The Deeper Context: Political Appearances and Public Scrutiny

Billy Ray Cyrus's decision to perform at the inaugural event placed him in a spotlight that few celebrities willingly embrace, especially given the polarized political climate in the United States. His appearance alongside other conservative-leaning artists like Kid Rock and Lee Greenwood at the "Make America Great Again Rally" and the Liberty Ball solidified his political alignment in the eyes of the public.

The intense scrutiny that followed the bizarre performance highlights the pressure and visibility that come with participating in high-profile political events. For a star already navigating complex family dynamics and multiple divorces, the viral video and subsequent media firestorm added a significant layer of public difficulty. The video, therefore, is not just a record of a bad performance; it has become a flashpoint for discussing the intersection of celebrity, politics, and personal struggles in the public eye. The "Achy Breaky Heart" singer continues to face questions about his health and his future career choices in the wake of the 2025 inaugural controversy.