Billy Ray Cyrus Announces New Album Amid Concerns About Inaugural Ball Performance
on Jan 24, 2025
What Happened During Billy Ray Cyrus’ Performance At Trump’s Liberty Ball?
Amid concerns about his behavior during a performance for Trump’s inauguration, Billy Ray Cyrus has shared his plans to release a new album.
Billy Ray was one of the artists who performed during Trump’s Liberty Ball on Monday (January 20). His voice was hoarse as he sang along to the music video for “Old Town Road,” which he remixed with Lil Nas X.
At one point, his guitar stopped working, and he called for someone to help him fix it. But his guitar never turned back on, leading to speculation that his performance was intentionally cut off.
Billy Ray believed he was experiencing technical issues. He referenced Carrie Underwood‘s performance from earlier in the day when her recorded music track failed to play at Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. She opted to sing a cappella, so Billy Ray followed her lead, singing a raspy, off-key rendition of his signature song “Achy Breaky Heart.”
Billy Ray didn’t leave the stage right away after the lights went dark. He knelt on the ground, spun in circles, and removed his hat and coat.
Billy Ray Addresses Concerns Following His Inaugural Ball Performance
Fans were worried for Billy Ray after seeing his performance at the Liberty Ball. Many speculated that he was drunk, high, or sick.
Billy Ray addressed those concerns the day after the performance (January 21), releasing a statement that said:
“I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not. I was there because President Donald J. Trump invited me. I had a ball at the Liberty Ball last night and I’ve learned through all these years when the producer says ‘you’re on,’ you go entertain the folks even if the equipment goes to hell. I was there for the people and we had a blast. That’s called rock n roll!!!”
Billy Ray released another statement the next day (January 22), in which he referenced a lyric from “Achy Breaky Heart.” He paired the statement with a video from his Liberty Ball performance.
“This was the most fun part of the Liberty Ball! And if you didn’t see it… you just had to be there. ‘I just don’t think you understand.'”
Billy Ray’s performance prompted a response from his son, Trace, who wrote an open letter to his dad on social media. The letter read in part:
“You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it…As I write this with tears in my eyes I hope you realize this message only comes from a place of love and also fear that the world may lose you far too soon. I love you Dad.”
Billy Ray Announces Upcoming Release Of New Album, Produced By His Son, Braison
While many fans remain worried about Billy Ray’s well-being, he made a surprise announcement on Friday (January 24). He’s in the process of working on a new album, which his 30-year-old son, Braison Cyrus, will produce.
“I’ve spent this past year getting to know my dad better than I ever have,” Braison said in a statement quoted by PEOPLE. “I’ve heard stories, jokes and songs that I don’t think anyone else has. It’s an opportunity to tell my dad’s story through music and I’m fortunate to be able to take it. Music, stories and family are the most important things to my dad so to bring the two together is a full circle endeavor.”
PEOPLE reports that Billy Ray is “so proud to lean into the music” with Braison by his side.
“This is art imitating life, imitating art,” Billy Ray said. “It starts and ends with art. Braison is very talented and ‘25 is his year. I’m glad to be a part of it. This record is gonna be special. I’m gearing up for what will be the journey of a lifetime.”
PEOPLE states that Billy Ray’s new project will feature songs co-written by him and Braison. This will be his first album released since 2019’s The SnakeDoctor Circus.
Billy Ray Cyrus’ new album does not have a title or established release date yet. Stay tuned for whenever those details are announced.
