Billy Ray Cyrus speaks out after inauguration performance sparked concern
As well as facing backlash ahead of his performance at Donald Trump's controversial inauguration ceremony on Monday, Billy Ray Cyrus was later subjected to a secondary round of criticism over his 'messed up' set.
Now, the musician has spoken out, making a rather brazen statement about the evening in question.
The prestigious presidential ceremony took place on 20 January, much to the dismay of millions of Democratic voters following Trump's victory against Kamala Harris in November.
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After a lengthy national address, the attention of viewers later turned to the subsequent concert celebration, to which the likes of Carrie Underwood, Nelly, Rascal Flatts, the Village People and Gavin DeGraw had agreed to perform.
Also in the line up was 63-year-old country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.
The father-of-three took to the stage at Liberty Hall in Washington D.C., where he belted out a number of his most famous hits - including his vocal section from Lil Nas X's 2019 hit 'Old Town Road'.
All was going well until the time for Cyrus to perform his signature single 'Achey Breaky Heart' rolled around, during which he endured technical difficulties when his microphone and guitar failed to amplify any sound.
Despite beginning to perform the 1992 number acapella, it all became too much for the musician, and he hit out at those working backstage.
"Check? Is anybody awake?" Cyrus demanded. "Y'all want me to sing more or you want me to just get the hell off the stage?"
Attempting to make light of the situation, he went on to quip: "In life, when you have technical difficulties, you just gotta keep going, or as President Trump would say, 'You gotta fight'."
The disaster didn't go unnoticed by viewers watching the festivities from home, with one writing on X afterwards: "Sad to see Billy Ray so messed up at the Liberty Ball.
"Watching Billy Ray Cyrus tonight was heartbreaking," another added.
As we say, the artist has now addressed the technical blunder, claiming the incident is no skin off his own nose.
"I wouldn’t have missed the honor of playing this event whether my microphone, guitar and monitors worked or not," he told PEOPLE Magazine.
"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!!!"
Cyrus' awkward moment wasn't the only acapella moment of the night, with fellow country musician Carrie Underwood being forced to belt out 'America The Beautiful' during the service with no backing music.
The 'Before He Cheats' hit-maker went on to perform the patriotic number at the Capitol Rotunda, however, pleading with crowds: "If you know the words, help me out here."
Like in Cyrus' case, the cringe-worthy mistake caught the attention of thousands of viewers, one of whom teased online afterwards: "LMAOOOO she can’t hide behind tracking vocals and instrumental now. she sounds a mess."
Another hit out: "CLOCK IT BUFFY. She sounds horrible. TURN THAT SH*T OFF"
Others, however, defended the star for getting on with the show.
"Everyone has off days, even talented performers like Carrie Underwood," one gushed, as another went on: "Listen, I have been disappointed since the announcement, but she killed it."
Topics: Celebrity, Donald Trump, News, Politics, US News, Music
Rhianna Benson