(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Billy Ray Cyrus has revealed the moment that became the "genesis" of his new album.

The country singer was performing for American troops in Afghanistan in December 2009 when bombs started to go off in the background.

The star, surprised by the noise, stopped singing his troop-saluting song Some Gave All, but a young soldier stepped in and asked him to continue his performance

"A young soldier stood up and kind of shouted out, 'Keep going, Mr. Cyrus! We're used to it.' So I kicked back into the song," Billy Ray told USA Today. "I was blown away and humbled by [the troops'] professionalism and their courage and their dedication to our freedom. I felt like maybe my part to play is to let them know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice."

His stay in Afghanistan inspired the 46-year-old to put together the patriotic I'm American album, which features a remake of Billy Ray's Bob Hope Award winning Some Gave All as well as seven new US-themed songs performed by fellow country stars Jamey Johnson, Craig Morgan and Darryl Worley.

Billy Ray also talked about his relationship with daughter Miley, a former Disney star and now a successful singer-and-actress in her own right.

Their bond was put under strain by what Billy Ray termed the 18-year-old's rebellious behaviour and a temporary split between The Achy Breaky Heart singer and Miley's mother Tish. "I'm enjoying seeing her happy right now, as a daddy, just seeing her loving what she's doing," he said.

"We always had this motto, 'If you ain't happy, it ain't working'. Both she and I right now are in the midst of our true loves of music." (C) Cover Media