Bunnie Xo Parodies Billy Ray Cyrus’ Liberty Ball Performance
on Jan 23, 2025
Billy Ray Cyrus’ Performance At Trump’s Inaugural Ball Generates Concern
Jelly Roll‘s wife, Bunnie Xo, recently shared a video parodying Billy Ray Cyrus‘ viral performance at Trump’s Liberty Ball.
To catch you up, Billy Ray was one of the performers who celebrated Trump’s inauguration on January 20. He performed a short set during Trump’s Liberty Ball.
Billy Ray opened his performance by playing his and Lil Nas X’s music video for their remixed version of “Old Town Road.” He strummed along on his guitar and sang while the video played.
When the video ended, Billy Ray kept strumming his guitar and whistling the tune of “Old Town Road.” He said, “If you encourage me, I’ll keep going. They told me to kill as much time as possible.”
Then, Billy Ray’s guitar stopped working. He called out, “Is anybody awake? Where’s everybody at? Is anyone back there? Can somebody turn my guitar back on?“
Someone came out onstage to try and help Billy Ray. But his guitar never came back on. This led to speculation his set may have been intentionally cut short due to his behavior. Some wondered if he was drunk or high.
Billy Ray assumed he was experiencing technical difficulties. He compared the situation to Carrie Underwood’s performance earlier in the day at Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. In Carrie’s case, her recorded music didn’t play, so she sang a cappella.
“Wasn’t Carrie Underwood fabulous?” Billy Ray said, adding, “They had technical difficulties too. And in life, when you have technical difficulties, you just gotta keep going. Or as President Trump would say, ‘You gotta fight!'”
Billy Ray tried to keep the performance going. He kicked off an a cappella rendition of his signature song, “Achy Breaky Heart,” but his voice was hoarse.
When the lights went dark, Billy Ray didn’t leave. He spun in circles, took off his hat and coat, and knelt on the stage.
Billy Ray Responds To Criticism And Concern
In the days since his Liberty Ball performance, Billy Ray has addressed the situation twice. First, he released a statement on January 21 in response to fans’ criticisms and concerns.
He 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!!!”
I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not. I was…
Posted by Billy Ray Cyrus on Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Billy Ray followed up with a second, shorter statement on January 22. He paired the statement with a video of his performance, and referenced a lyric from “Achy Breaky Heart.”
The singer said:
“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.'”
Following the performance, Billy Ray’s son, Trace Cyrus, released an open letter expressing his worries. Trace said:
“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.”
Bunnie Xo Uses Audio From Billy Ray’s Liberty Ball Performance In Parody Video
The odd nature of Billy Ray’s Liberty Ball performance has resulted in the creation of a few memes and parody videos. Bunnie Xo, who’s married to Jelly Roll, shared her own parody on TikTok.
“When I’ve been sick for days on the couch with bronchitis but I force my family to have couch karaoke with me,” Bunnie wrote over the clip. In the video, she could be seen mouthing the words to “Old Town Road” while audio from Billy Ray’s hoarse and off-key Liberty Ball performance played.
As of press time, Bunnie’s video has generated over 300,000 views. Some of the comments on the clip include:
“Bunnie Ray Cyrus for the win.”
“She went there…best use of audio ever.”
“I just fell out in the floor.”
“And this is why you is the Queen.”
“…You’re so funny for this.”
Others expressed concern for Billy Ray, writing:
“Honestly so sad for him.”
“Sad for real.”
“Poor Miley though.”
“I was so embarrassed for him.”
“It was sooooo embarrassing.”
Watch Bunnie Xo’s parody of Billy Ray Cyrus below.
@ohheyitsbunnie #bunniexo ♬ original sound – KC
