Country music icon Billy Ray Cyrus faced a rough performance at the Liberty Ball celebrating President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Technical issues and a hoarse voice plagued the singer, who performed without a band, leaving him to rely solely on his guitar and voice to engage the crowd.
Kicking Off with “Old Town Road” Video
Cyrus began his appearance by showcasing the video for Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” in which he is featured. While the video played, he strummed his guitar and sang along, encouraging the audience to join in. After the video ended, he continued performing the song with a mix of strumming, whistling, and an a cappella rendition.
As Cyrus tried to extend his performance, his guitar suddenly stopped working. The technical mishap left him calling out to the backstage crew for assistance. Frustrated by the delay, he asked for someone to fix the issue but received no immediate resolution, forcing him to fill time with improvised remarks.
Comparing Challenges to Carrie Underwood’s Setback
Cyrus drew parallels to fellow country star Carrie Underwood, who earlier faced technical issues during the inauguration. Underwood adapted by performing “America The Beautiful” a cappella after the orchestral track failed. Cyrus praised her resilience and noted the importance of pushing forward during such moments.
Despite the challenges, Cyrus maintained a positive attitude and sought to connect with the audience. His determination to continue performing and engage the crowd highlighted his professionalism, even under difficult circumstances. The night served as a testament to his commitment to entertaining, no matter the hurdles.