The country star addresses critics and reflects on his experience performing at the 2025 Liberty Ball despite technical difficulties.

Billy Ray Cyrus is standing firm amid criticism over his performance at the 2025 Trump inauguration Liberty Ball. The 63-year-old country singer, who performed his 1992 hit Achy Breaky Heart at the event, responded to the online backlash with a defiant Instagram post on January 22.

“This was the most fun part of the Liberty Ball! And if you didn’t see it… you just had to be there,” Cyrus wrote alongside a clip of the performance. He added, “I just don’t think you understand,” making it clear he was unfazed by the negative comments.

A day earlier, Cyrus had addressed the technical issues that occurred during the performance, including malfunctioning equipment. In a statement to People, he explained, “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.”

Despite the issues, Cyrus pressed on, stating, “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!!!”

With his bold response, Cyrus has made it clear that he has no regrets about his performance, regardless of the criticisms that followed.