After Billy Ray Cyrus fumbled through his “train wreck” of a performance at the 2025 Liberty Ball, his son Trace made an emotional online plea, begging the country music star to make better choices as he fears “that the world may lose [Cyrus] far too soon.”
Billy Ray Cyrus’ recent performance at President Donald Trump’s inauguration sparked a wave of reactions – and they weren’t positive.
The 63-year-old country music legend, best known for his hit “Achy Breaky Heart,” took the stage at the post inauguration Liberty Ball on January 20, but unfortunately, the night didn’t go as planned.
As Cyrus stepped onto the stage, anticipation was high. However, what followed was far from the iconic, foot-stomping spectacle fans were expecting.
The singer attempted to sing a few bars from “Old Town Road,” but his microphone was off, his guitar wasn’t strumming, and his voice was more hoarse than the horse he was trying to sing about.
After a few uncomfortable moments where he’s seen fumbling with his guitar, he gives the instrument to a stagehand and started snapping his fingers to an a cappella version of his 90s hit, “Achy Breaky Heart.”
Fans and critics noted that Cyrus’ performance lacked the usual energy and polish they’ve come to expect from the seasoned artist. Technical difficulties only made matters worse, leading to an underwhelming show that left audiences scratching their heads.
Despite his best efforts to power through, the performance fell short of expectations at the politically charged event, and viewers quickly took to social media, pointing out the flaws.
“That was worst performance ever. Was he drunk?” asks one netizen about Cyrus’ lackluster delivery of two iconic songs. A second tweets, “He sounded awful. That’s not a ‘tech issue.’”
A third shares, “Holy crap. His voice is horrible. He looks homeless. How embarrassing,” while another offers, “I feel for him. That was rough.”
Other online users slammed the award-winning singer, calling the show “an epic disaster” and “a train wreck.”
“Not making fun. From the bottom of all of our hearts, get help Billy Ray Cyrus. We love ya and your music,” one netizen pleads.
‘Called rock and roll’
Despite the backlash, Cyrus shared a social media post the next day, gushing over his moment from the ball.
“It 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,” he starts in the post that includes an image of him on the stage.
“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!!!”
In a second post shared the same day, Cyrus writes, “This was the most fun part of the Liberty Ball! And if you didn’t see it…you just had to be there.”
Dropping a line from the song heard in the clip, he adds, “I just don’t think you understand.”
Trace’s plea
Refusing to buy into the hype of the show being “rock and roll,” Cyrus’ son Trace, 35, made an emotional plea to his adopted father, expressing his deep concern.
In the Instagram post, shared alongside a throwback photo of the two on stage, Trace writes: “Since my earliest memories all I can remember is being obsessed with you and thinking you were the coolest person ever. I wanted to be just like you…Sadly the man that I wanted so desperately to be just like I barely recognize now. It seems this world has beaten you down and it’s become obvious to everyone but you.”
Trace was about four when he his sister Brandi, 37, were adopted by Cyrus in 1993 when the singer married their mother Tish. The couple, who were married until 2022, also share children Miley, 32, Braison, 30, and Noah, 25. Cyrus has one more son, Christopher Cody, 32, with Kristen Luckey, whom he dated before meeting Tish.
Trace – who co-wrote the song, “Country Music has the Blues” with his father – then references his sisters, saying the siblings have been worried “for years but you’ve pushed all of us away.”
“Noah desperately has wanted you to be a part of her life, and you haven’t even been there for her. That’s your baby girl. She deserves better,” writes the junior Cyrus, also a singer.
Explaining that he still idolizes his father, Trace laments over “memories of the man we once knew & hoping for the day he returns” but is fearful “that the world may lose you far too soon.”
“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,” he shares. He then adds that he’s been “clean from alcohol” for about 18 months and wants Cyrus – whom he hasn’t spoken with “in a while” – to know.
He ends his open love letter by writing, “I don’t know what you’re struggling with exactly, but I think I have a pretty good idea & I’d love to help you if you would open up and receive the help. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you.”
As the story continues to unfold, fans are left wondering what’s next for Billy Ray Cyrus. Will he respond to his son’s plea and seek help? Or will he continue down his current path? Many hope that the family’s love and concern will encourage him to prioritize his well-being and make choices that align with their hopes for his future.
What do you think about Trace’s attempts to help his father? Please share your thoughts with us and then share this story so we can hear from others!
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