Billy Ray Cyrus performs at the Liberty Ball during the 60th Presidential Inauguration, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, at the Washington Convention Center in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)AP
Billy Ray Cyrus and Firerose went through a very public and very ugly divorce last year, but she is now joining the list of those expressing concern for the country music singer after his trainwreck of a performance at the Liberty Ball following Donald Trump’s inauguration.
Cyrus was so bad that they appeared to turn off the lights and escort him off the stage.
Some fans even worried about his health.
What made it so bad? Well, if you missed it, Cyrus was hit with a slew of technical issues, claiming he couldn’t get his guitar turned on at one point.
“Is my guitar still on,” he wondered aloud. “I think they cut me off. Is my guitar, OK? I don’t hear my guitar anymore. Check. Ah, check. Is anybody awake? I don’t hear it? Does anyone hear this?”
He didn’t seem to be getting must interaction from the folks on the stage, until finally someone came out and tinkered with the guitar.
“I bet I got excited and unplugged it,” he said.
He also appeared to be lip syncing, and when he did take the mic and start singing without music … well, he didn’t sound good.
“Trump needs to pardon Billy Ray Cyrus for that performance because it was a crime,” Brooks Johnson posted on X.
Country music website Whiskey Riff called it a “train wreck,” and wrote that Cyrus eventually appeared to be escorted off the stage after they turned the lights off on him.
Cyrus addressed the performance on Instagram on Tuesday.
“I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not,” he wrote. “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!!!”
But his son, Trace Cyrus, has since penned a letter to his father asking him to get help, and now Firerose is sharing her thoughts.
“What’s being seen in public now reflects much of what I experienced in private during our relationship,” she said in a statement according to Taste of Country. “It’s very sad to see those same struggles continue for him, but I’m glad the truth is coming to light — for his potential good because healing is only possible when you confront the truth and accept there’s a problem.
“For me, I remain focused on my faith, my music, my healing and using my story to encourage others to find strength and hope.”
You can see Cyrus’ performance below:
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