Billy Ray Cyrus is learning to adjust to his new normal with his “changed” voice.
A source tells PEOPLE exclusively that the country singer’s vocals are not what they used to be, and it has caused him to become self-conscious.
“His voice has changed, and he’s been really insecure about it,” the insider says of Billy Ray, 63, who broke into the music scene with his 1992 hit “Achy Breaky Heart.”
Speaking about how the star performed at The Liberty Ball during President Donald Trump’s inaugural celebrations — which he has since received criticism for — the source adds that Billy Ray still moved forward with the set, despite hesitations to do so.
“[He was] going out and stepping out on stage with his voice, putting himself in a vulnerable situation and showing the world that his voice has changed,” they explain.
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At the inaugural event on Jan. 20, Billy Ray experienced technical difficulties during his performances of “Achy Breaky Heart” and his Lil Nas X collab “Old Town Road.”
“Check? Is anybody awake?” Billy Ray asked at one point, looking backstage for assistance. “Y’all want me to sing more, or you want me to just get the hell off the stage?”
The following day, Billy Ray told PEOPLE in an exclusive statement, “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 added, “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!!!”
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Billy Ray then doubled down on his performance again in an Instagram post on Jan. 22, which had its comments turned off.
“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,” he captioned the video of him performing an a cappella rendition of “Achy Breaky Heart.”
The Hannah Montana actor wasn’t the only artist to experience technical difficulties during the inauguration either, as the music for Carrie Underwood’s rendition of “America the Beautiful” glitched right before she performed in the Capitol rotunda.
“You know the words,” Underwood, 41, told the inauguration attendees, encouraging them to join in, as she sang a cappella.
Also on Jan. 22, Trace Cyrus — who Billy Ray adopted in 1993 after marrying his now ex-wife Tish Cyrus — penned an emotional letter on Instagram, expressing his concerns for his father.
After first detailing that he had always been “obsessed” with his dad and thought he was “the coolest person ever,” Trace, 35, continued, “It seems this world has beaten you down and it’s become obvious to everyone but you. You may be upset with me for posting this but I really could care less at this point.”
Then, in a seeming reference to his sisters Brandi Cyrus — who Billy Ray also adopted in 1993 — Miley Cyrus and Noah Cyrus, Trace said they are all “genuinely worried” about their father, who Trace also said has “pushed” them all away. (Billy Ray also shares son Christopher Cody Cyrus with ex-girlfriend Kristin Luckey and son Braison Cyrus with Tish, 57, whom he divorced in 2022.)
“We are all hanging on to memories of the man we once knew & hoping for the day he returns. You’re not healthy Dad & everyone is noticing it,” Trace added, later concluding: “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. You know how to reach me. Till that day comes I will continue to pray for you.”
A source later told PEOPLE on Jan. 24 of Billy Ray — who is planning to release music with son Braison, 30, this summer — and his family, “They got through the drama of 2024, and it’s a new year. Miley and Noah and Braison and Tish, they don’t want to be this Cyrus family feud. This is not enjoyable for them.”
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