The Five-Year Fallout: What Really Happened During Billy Ray Cyrus's 'Trainwreck' Inauguration Performance

As of December 2025, the infamous 2017 inauguration performance by country music star Billy Ray Cyrus remains one of the most talked-about and scrutinized moments of his decades-long career. The event, which took place at the post-inauguration Liberty Ball for then-President Donald Trump, was quickly dubbed a "trainwreck" and an "epic disaster" by fans and media outlets alike, primarily due to a series of debilitating technical difficulties and a visibly struggling performance. This article dives deep into the details of that night, Cyrus's surprising response to the backlash, and where the two-time GRAMMY winner stands today with his new music projects. The performance, intended to be a celebratory moment for the "Achy Breaky Heart" singer, instead turned into a viral spectacle that continues to define a specific period in his public life. Critics highlighted a hoarse voice, an inexplicable left turn in the setlist, and a general sense of confusion on stage that culminated in the country star reportedly being escorted off.

Billy Ray Cyrus: A Comprehensive Profile and Biography

William Ray Cyrus, universally known as Billy Ray Cyrus, is an American country music singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to international fame in the early 1990s.

• Birth Name: William Ray Cyrus
• Date of Birth: August 25, 1961
• Place of Birth: Flatwoods, Kentucky, U.S.
• Profession: Country Music Star, Singer-Songwriter, Actor, Producer
• Genre: Country, Country Pop, Bluegrass
• Breakthrough Hit: "Achy Breaky Heart" (1992)
• Key Albums: Some Gave All (1992), Trail of Tears (1996), Thin Line (2016)
• Notable Acting Roles: Robby Ray Stewart in the Disney Channel series Hannah Montana (alongside his daughter, Miley Cyrus) and the title role in the series Doc.
• Family: Father to five children, including global pop icon Miley Cyrus and musician Braison Cyrus.
• Recent Projects: Announcing a new album in 2025 produced by his son, Braison Cyrus, and a partnership with EMPIRE Publishing.

The Night of the 'Trainwreck': Inside the 2017 Inauguration Performance

The event that cemented the "Billy Ray Cyrus inauguration performance" into pop culture infamy occurred on January 20, 2017, at the Liberty Ball, one of the three official inaugural balls for President Donald Trump. While other artists performed without major incident, Cyrus’s set was plagued from the start.

The core of the problem, according to multiple reports and Cyrus's own later statements, was severe technical difficulties. The sound system appeared to be malfunctioning, leading to a palpable awkwardness on stage. The "Achy Breaky Heart" singer was performing in front of a high-profile audience, including the new President and First Lady, and the pressure was immense.

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Reports from those in attendance and subsequent media analysis painted a picture of a performance that was disjointed and confusing. The country music star seemed to struggle with his vocals, which were described as very hoarse, and his stage presence was noted as lost and confused. The set was reportedly cut short, with some outlets stating he was ultimately escorted offstage as the performance spiraled into chaos. This unexpected and poorly executed gig instantly became a lightning rod for social media commentary and news coverage, earning it the label of a "disaster."

The performance was a jarring contrast to the massive, career-defining success he experienced with his hit "Achy Breaky Heart" in 1992. The high-stakes environment of a presidential inauguration, combined with the equipment failure, created a perfect storm for a memorable—for all the wrong reasons—moment.

Billy Ray Cyrus's Surprising Defense and Public Backlash

Following the widespread criticism, Billy Ray Cyrus was quick to address the situation publicly, doubling down on his actions and offering an explanation for the technical issues. His response was a key part of the ongoing story, as he deflected the blame from his own performance to the faulty equipment.

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In a statement released shortly after the event, Cyrus pointed directly to the "achy breaky music equipment" as the culprit for the disastrous set. He suggested that the technical problems were so severe that they rendered the performance nearly impossible to execute smoothly.

Despite the overwhelming negative feedback and the "career-ending" hyperbole used by some critics, Cyrus maintained a positive—and perhaps defiant—stance. He stated that he "had a blast" at the Liberty Ball and defended the experience, famously telling the media that for those who criticized it, "you just had to be there." This defense suggested that the energy and context of the live event were missed by those watching poor-quality clips on social media.

The controversy also briefly brought attention to his personal life, with reports mentioning family concerns and his now ex-wife, Firerose, later commenting on the "very sad" performance to a tabloid. This added an extra layer of public scrutiny to the already intense situation.

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From Inauguration Disaster to a New 2025 Era

Despite the lingering memory of the 2017 inauguration fiasco, Billy Ray Cyrus has successfully navigated the subsequent years, focusing on new music and artistic partnerships. His career has proven resilient, moving past the awkward Liberty Ball gig.

In a significant move that highlights his current professional direction, Cyrus announced a major new music project. He is set to release a new album in 2025, which is being produced by his son, Braison Cyrus. This collaboration with his family is a powerful statement, showcasing a focus on legacy and new creative directions within the Cyrus family dynasty.

Furthermore, the two-time GRAMMY winner has solidified his business future by entering into a partnership with EMPIRE Publishing, the publishing arm of the independent record label EMPIRE. This deal ensures that his extensive catalog, which includes the iconic "Achy Breaky Heart," and future music projects have a strong distribution and management platform.

These recent developments in 2024 and 2025 demonstrate that the country music star is actively engaged in his career, looking forward rather than dwelling on the past. The "Billy Ray Cyrus inauguration performance" may forever be a curious footnote in his biography, but his continued relevance and new projects, including a new album and partnerships, prove that his legacy extends far beyond one technically troubled night in Washington D.C.

The story of the inauguration performance serves as a powerful reminder of how technical failures can overshadow even the most famous performers in high-stakes environments. Ultimately, Cyrus’s ability to move forward, collaborate with his family, and secure new publishing deals is the true testament to his enduring career.