Rayna, an aging country music star, is upset when her record company asks her to tour as the opening act to a new up-and-coming singer named Juliette.

An investigation shines unwelcome light on Rayna's past with Deacon.

Juliette's mother shows up. Juliette calls Deacon to the studio to record the song they wrote (Undermine) in another attempt to sign him to her band. Rayna's girls perform in their school talent show. Rayna discovers information about her mother that gives her new perspective on her father, but they are still feuding. Scarlett and Gunnar go into the studio to record their demo, but things do not go smoothly.

Juliette is served for shoplifting, her PR agent sets her up with an interview on GMA to do damage control. Juliette blows it and the record label cancels her concert tour. Rayna agrees to help Teddy's campaign by playing a fund-raiser at the country club. Deacon gets into it with both Teddy and Rayna's father (Lamar). Rayna fires Deacon. Scarlett and Gunnar get a publishing deal with a record company.

Deacon offers to help talk Juliette's mother into rehab. Rayna says no to a Greatest Hits album again. Rayna is recording one of her and Deacon's songs for a commercial, it was altered and Deacon won't sign off on the change. Teddy and Coleman debate the baseball stadium. Teddy meets with Peggy and we learn it's not an affair they are hiding, it's a crime. Scarlett and Gunnar get an audition for one of their songs. When they need another guitarist Avery steps in, but he gets jealous and takes over the song by playing a flashy lead.

Juliette's publicist sets her up with a squeaky clean rookie football player named Sean to repair her image and Juliette dislikes him sight unseen. Rayna wants a new producer and a new sound for her new song. She picks Liam, a rock 'n roller who doesn't want to work with Rayna and who the label doesn't want. Avery's band gets some interest from two promoters, but one (Marilyn) makes it clear her interest isn't just business and comes with a price.

Rayna and Juliette are forced to work together for an upcoming event. Juliette's relationship with Sean hits a bump in the road. Scarlett goes out for a night on the town with Gunnar and his girlfriend with the hopes of cheering herself up.

Juliette and Sean elope. Sean wants them to tell Juliette's mom on family day at rehab, but Juliette talks him into letting her go alone. Juliette and her mom continue to argue. Lamar uses Rayna's daughter to threaten her, and Teddy tells him to back off. Deacon is on the road with the new band and avoiding an interview, but not the attractive reporter. Avery tells his band that he made a solo deal. Scarlett agrees to be their lead singer in Avery's absence.

Scarlett tells Gunnar she has two passes to Deacon's concert in Austin, but Gunnar says he's making the trip because of family obligations. She convinces him to take her along saying they can work during the long drive. Cy (band leader) is jealous of the attention Deacon is getting with the press and the women, which prompts him to make a bad move and Deacon quits the band. Juliette files divorce papers, Sean files annulment papers. Rayna isn't happy with any guitarist playing in Deacon's place. The election results come in.

The label throws a party to celebrate the success of "Wrong Song" and Rayna is courted by another label. Juliette is unhappy with her mother's attendance and behavior at the party. Deacon holes up at home and battles his addiction. When Juliette finds him, he asks how she can have so much concern for him and none for her mother when they are fighting the same battle. Scarlett asks Gunnar to consider playing with Avery's old band. Avery ignores Marilyn's advice on negotiating his contract for a better deal and signs the first offer.

Deacon finally accepts Juliette's offer to tour with her, and Rayna's not happy about it. Liam wants Rayna to change labels, neglecting to mention he has a side deal. Rayna fires him and hires a woman guitar player. Rayna gets her own label and wants to sign Scarlett and Gunnar. Rayna struggles with being on the road with Deacon, and finally texts him to come up to her room. When she opens the door, it's Teddy who came to tell Rayna he wants a divorce. Juliette slips a ballad that she and Deacon wrote into the show and the crowd response is OK, but Glen has a fit. The song ends up online and is popular. Scarlett is having trouble making rent and Gunnar hates his roommates, so they agree to move in together platonically. Avery has a camera follow-along interview and takes them by Scarlett's house. That evening Gunnar and Avery get into a fist-fight.

Rayna and Teddy disagree about how to handle the divorce right before Rayna steps on stage. Rayna is overwhelmed and for the first time in 20 years, she misses her cue. Scarlett gets a call that Rayna wants to sign her and Gunnar to her own label. Scarlett finds out Gunnar's brother is in town in violation of his parole. She refuses to let him stay with them pointing out it's harboring a fugitive, but later changes her mind. Avery is not happy with the way Dominic is changing his music. Glenn is not happy with the way Juliette is changing her music. Glenn tells the crew to run all Juliette's changes past him and he'll handle it, but when Juliette finds out she calls everyone including Glenn to a middle-of-the-night meeting to say it's her way or the highway. Glenn quits. Rayna goes out drinking with Liam. Rayna's oldest daughter overhears Teddy on the phone with Peggy and tells Rayna.

Dante sends Juliette a blackmail demand. Juliette asks Avery to help with her new song. Gunnar goes on a radio show; Scarlett doesn't like what he says and gives him a piece of her mind. Will uses information from Scarlett to crash Rayna's auditions. Will and Gunnar get in a bar fight and Gunnar misses Scarlett's debut at the Grand Ol' Opry, but Avery makes it. Scarlett tells Gunnar she can't be with him the way he is now. Rayna has Deacon over for dinner with the girls and Teddy objects. He serves Rayna a restraining order and Rayna seeks Lamar's advice. Tandy goes to the board of Lamar's company over the leadership. Maddie goes through Rayna'a papers and finds the family secret. Dante changes his demands. Jolene buys drugs and contacts Dante.

Rayna tells the girls she's dating Deacon. Deacon gives Juliette his condolences on Jolene's death and she blasts him. Maddie tells Deacon she thinks he may be her father. The US Attorney's office notifies Teddy they're investigating the Cumberland deal. When Teddy contacts Peggy he hears surprising news. Scarlett and Avery meet for a meal. Gunnar brings flowers home and tells Scarlett he came clean about the music to the producer. Scarlett says flowers won't fix what's wrong and leaves to go hear Avery play. At the CMA awards, Juliette lashes out backstage and is horrified by what she said. She leaves. Deacon confronts Rayna backstage about Maddie's parentage, they argue, and he winds up in a bar. Rayna goes home where she and Teddy try to calm a hysterical Maddie. The morning of the funeral Glen brings Juliette her award. Rayna comforts Juliette at the funeral. Juliette arrives home where the mail includes a letter from Jolene. Tandy quits her job. Gunnar proposes to Scarlett. Rayna flips the car with her and Deacon inside.

The accident leaves Rayna in a coma. Deacon takes the blame for the accident and is sent to jail, but a fierce lawyer is set to find out the truth. Juliette decides to make the best out of the situation for herself. Gunnar moves together with Will while Scarlett prepares for her record deal.

Edgehill's new chief is determined to put the label back on top.

Rayna and Teddy embark on new paths as their divorce becomes final.

Teddy proposes to Peggy and tries to keep it a secret.

Rayna wants to obtain the rights to her music.

Rayna sets the record straight during an interview with Robin Roberts; Juliette runs into Charlie Wentworth; Scarlett turns to Avery for advice on the changes to her life.

Maddie feels lost as Teddy and Peggy's wedding day approaches; Juliette angers a lecherous but influential DJ; Deacon discovers an unexpected ally as he tries to find his way back to music.

Deacon confronts Rayna about putting too much pressure on Scarlett; Jeff battles Rayna for control of the album she made with Liam; Gunnar struggles as he attempts to write a song for a major artist.

When Maddie wants to spend time with Deacon, Teddy starts to feel he's being replaced; Lamar asks Rayna to get Tandy to commit to being a character witness; Juliette worries about Layla's career stealing her spotlight.

Fan blowback against Juliette brings down her performance at the Music City Festival; Rayna wants to buy herself out of the Edgehill contract; Deacon and Gunnar decide to put on an unauthorized show.

Death changes lives forever as a mystery arises; Scarlett and Gunnar receive an offer from Kelly Clarkson; a video adversely affects Juliette's reputation; Rayna is under intense pressure to succeed.

Scarlett's career is on a hot streak as she performs with Zac Brown; Rayna asks Deacon for help writing a hit for her new album; Jeff is furious when concert venues keep dropping from Juliette's tour.

Jeff is expecting Juliette to formally apologize for her behavior during her Grand Ole Opry ceremony, but at the last minute she has a change of heart and decides to standby the choices she's made. Luke introduces Rayna to a power player that could help her get her distribution deal off the ground, and then surprises her with a NASCAR that is wrapped in Rayna Jayme's graphics. Deacon is discovering his record deal might not be what he expected and Scarlett's collaboration with Liam gets off to a rocky start. Will and Layla discover they aren't all that different and find comfort in one another's company and Teddy will stop at nothing to reveal Lamar's connection to Peggy's death.

Juliette's new song, "Don't Put Dirt on My Grave Just Yet," catches the ear of a high-powered, hit-making producer, Howie V (Michael Chernus, "Orange Is the New Black"). He wants to make her a superstar and brings her to Los Angeles to record, but marginalizes Glenn in the process. Meanwhile, Rayna takes charge with stoicism in the aftermath of recent events, and Scarlett feels lost and alone but finds Liam to be a receptive confidante.

After performing her manifesto song at her Opry induction, major pop labels are vying to sign Juliette, overwhelming Avery, who can barely afford to take her to dinner. Rayna has major money troubles of her own, since Tandy's been bouncing checks around town for Highway 65, affecting Rayna's ability to sign new artists. Deacon finds that life on the road is filled with temptation when he runs into an old friend, Ruth Bennett (Charlotte Ross) at an AA meeting, and Scarlett becomes more enmeshed with Liam.

Juliette has a design on how she would like to announce her new deal with Highway 65, however, Rayna has a calculated roll out plan in mind. Juliette's emotions get the best of her at a label party when she starts to feel that she is being upstaged by Rayna's up-and-coming talent. Will offers Deacon an opportunity of a lifetime though he finds the excitement short-lived after noticing Megan's strange behavior. Teddy is at odds with Maddie when he finds out she is fixated with her music, and Will is concerned about his past catching up with him so he makes Layla an offer she can't refuse.

Rayna's girls meet Luke's son Colt; Juliette becomes more and more jealous; Gunnar refuses to support Will and Layla's plan; Maddie is forbidden to go to Deacon's concert.

Maddie's news goes viral and stirs a media frenzy including being a "Hot Topic" on "The View," and the real-life ladies of "The View"--Whoopi Goldberg, Sherri Shepherd, Jenny McCarthy and Barbara Walters guest-star as themselves. Rayna tries to manage the fallout by going on "Good Morning America" and real-life anchor Robin Roberts guest stars as herself. When Juliette faces more empty seats on her tour, she reaches out to Charlie Wentworth (Charlie Bewley) for a favor, and Scarlett's mother, Beverly (Dana Wheeler-Nicolson), surprises her daughter in Chicago, IL, but things do not go well.

Scarlett's breakdown is driving everyone to point fingers at who might be responsible for her condition. Deacon is blaming Rayna for pushing her too fast, Rayna is blaming Juliette for forcing her on stage and Beverly thinks Rayna is only interested in seeing her label succeed. It always feels like everyone has an axe to grind with Juliette, so she turns to Avery, only to find him preoccupied with Scarlett. During her moment of weakness, she is driven right into the hands of her nemesis. Meanwhile, Layla tries to convince Will to join her in a reality show.

Rayna and Luke organize a concert for the troops. Scarlett makes a decision about her future. Maddy's bond with Deacon grows. Will realizes the reality show might have been a bad idea while Juliette tries to forget what happened at the BMI party.

As Will Lexington's album climbs the chart with the help of Jeff Fordham's deep pockets, Rayna enlists Teddy's help to plan a huge, free concert at LP Field to draw attention to her Highway 65 debut. She will perform with Luke Wheeler and duet with Juliette before thousands of fans. Zoey, Avery and Gunnar rock out at a benefit for Deacon's favorite charity, Sober House, and Avery plans to serenade Juliette with a song he wrote for her. But when he attempts to sing it, he doesn't understand why she is not present. And Scarlett makes a decision about her future in Music City.

On the season premiere, a torn Rayna must choose not just between two men, but two directions that her life could take. Juliette, struggling to repair her relationship with Avery, auditions for the leading role of a film biopic. Meanwhile, Scarlett, determined to start fresh, embarks on a road trip home and bonds with an unexpected stowaway, and Will and Layla manage the fallout from his on-camera confession.

Rayna and Luke try to set a date for their wedding. Juliette struggles with morning sickness whilst on tour and shooting a movie. Deacon finds comfort with Luke's backup singer. Layla blackmails Jeff.

Rayna and Jeff compete to get Sadie to sign with either Highway 65 or Edgehill. Juliette continues to try and hide her pregnancy. Zoey becomes suspicious of Gunnar and Scarlett. Avery's drinking lands him in trouble.

Juliette finally tells Avery about her pregnancy. Meanwhile, Gunnar discovers Kiley has a son, Scarlett makes an unlikely friend, and Will runs into trouble.

Juliette is rushed to hospital after collapsing backstage. Gunnar tries to persuade Kiley to stay in Nashville so he can spend more time with Micah. Maddie and Colt throw a party. Teddy receives a shock.

Rayna brushes off rumors about her and Luke's breakup as she prepares to return to the stage; Scarlett plans a surprise for Deacon; Gunnar travels to Austin intent on mending fences with his estranged nephew.

Rayna plans a star-studded baby shower for Juliette, but gets distracted by Sadie's drama; Luke and Bucky both hope to sign Ron Pope, a rising singer-songwriter; Gunnar is upset as Scarlett and Dr. Rand grow closer.

With the arrival of his former fiancee in Nashville, Jeff finds himself face-to-face with Jade St. John (played by Christina Aguilera). A powerhouse pop-star in Nashville on tour, Jeff is forced to revisit his past and work with the woman who once played a large role in both his personal and professional lives.

The brightest stars of Nashville have gathered in support of Teddy's music education initiative, "Note By Note," where Juliette plans her return to the spotlight, and Layla finds herself thrust into it, alongside Jade St. John. At the gala, Rayna, Deacon, Maddie and Daphne get ready to take the stage and perform, but before they can, Deacon receives the call he's been waiting for containing some life-changing news.

Rayna tries to help Deacon; Jade throws a party at her house that turns into an all-night bash.

Juliette's team worries she is suffering from postpartum depression.

Juliette becomes so focused on her album that she puts it ahead of everything else.

Juliette breaks down during a talkshow appearance, prompting Avery's concern. When she continues her pattern of irrational and volatile behavior, she leaves Avery with a struggle of his own. Meanwhile, Rayna is determined to show the world that Highway 65 is not just a vanity project and devises a plan to sign Markus Keen, one of the biggest rock artists around.

A second aneurysm leaves Beverly brain dead and Deacon consumed with guilt, while Scarlett is forced to decide whether to keep Beverly on life support. Meanwhile, Juliette continues a destructive pattern of erratic behavior, pushing Avery to make the heart-wrenching decision to file for divorce.

Juliette gets into a brawl with a fan that goes viral, and Jeff sees damage control as an opening for his own career. Maddie is grounded and misses Colt who is on tour with his dad. Markus butts heads with Rayna over his sound, and the two consider whether they can continue working together.

When Deacon and Rayna are ambushed by paparazzi after their intimate wedding rehearsal dinner, Deacon's hot-headed reaction casts a pall on their plans and forces a change of venue.

A familiar face is back on the Nashville music scene when Luke recruits his old friend Riff Bell to join him on tour. While the duo starts planning Riff's return to the stage, newcomer Vita arrives at The Beverly, but while she convinces Deacon and Rayna she deserves a shot, Frankie has his doubts.

Luke starts questioning his decision to bring Riff Bell on tour; Deacon and Frankie butt heads over Vita; Frankie makes a destructive decision.

Juliette Barnes returns to Nashville after receiving treatment for postpartum depression and finds herself at a critical crossroads. Layla, weeks away from launching her first album, courts a country-music superstar in order to secure an opening slot on her tour.

The Exes find navigating their newfound fame tricky business when they go out on the road with Autumn Chase. Meanwhile, Maddie continues to grow closer with Cash, causing tension with Deacon as he questions her motives and interest in his daughter.

Luke has tour problems. Maddie worries Rayna and Deacon. Juliette feels threatened. Autumn causes trouble.

Rayna and Teddy reconnect for the benefit of bringing Maddie home, and avoiding court. Juliette does successfully on tour and makes advances towards Avery which does not make Layla happy. Luke goes on a talk show to try to amp up Will's career again.

Its not as easy as Rayna and Deacon expected it would be to regain Maddie's trust, especially when someone who is supposed to be their ally hinders their efforts. Tension is caused between Scarlett and Gunnar over their past while doing an interview & Luke has good intentions, but they backfire.

Rayna makes a last-ditch effort to protect her oldest daughter from the perils that befall young artists, while Juliette reunites with her "Shenandoah Girl" co-star on the Oscar campaign trail. Elsewhere, Scarlett grows wary of Gunnar's budding friendship with Autumn Chase, and Layla fears falling into obscurity before her career takes off.

Gunnar gets to perform with music legend Elton John. Rayna and Deacon reflect on their relationship while Scarlett does some soul searching. Luke goes on a talk show to speak on a subject important to him, but the focus quickly shifts to a family emergency.

Juliette needs to decide how she's going to publicly address what really happened regarding Jeff's death. Will becomes a leader in a sense. Rayna takes dire action when she finds out who Maddie has encountered, and one music duo may go their separate ways.

Shocking news about Juliette creates a wave of emotions throughout Nashville.

A legal dispute threatens to break apart the family; Juliette demands to perform at the CMT Music Awards; Will and Zach are drawn closer together.

Juliette gives Maddie unsolicited advice about a song; Deacon tries to help an unmotivated Daphne pass her history class; Scarlett and Gunnar return from their tour.

Juliet's first appearance since her plane crash brings on a bout of anxiety. Bucky and Zach are still at odds on the direction of Highway 65.

Juliette searches for a hit to put her gospel bomb behind her. Damien returns with grand plans for Scarlett and her baby. Maddie and Clay get pulled over by the cops.

Maddie is shielded from the truth by Juliette. Highway 65 considers a new artist. Scarlett has pregnancy complications. Gunnar searches for his mugger.

Gunnar goes to his hometown and faces the ghosts of his past; Maddie and Juliette find themselves nominated for the same music award; Deacon helps Jessie record; Scarlett learns self-defense.

With Deacon and the artists of Highway 65 taking a stand, Zach sends a message; Maddie and Juliette's conflict comes to a head; Daphne goes to a pool party; Gunnar returns from Avery's tour.

After a public meltdown, Juliette seeks to change her life from an unlikely source; Scarlett and Maddie take a trip; Maddie meets Jonah Ford, a famous pop star; Scarlett struggles to find herself.

Daphne and Jake perform at school. Deacon and Jessie run into Brad. Alannah's stage presence grows, creating a division in the band. Gunnar questions his relationship with Alannah. Maddie joins Jonah in Miami, bonds with Twig. Avery visits Juliette.

Deacon and the girls grow worried when Gideon starts leaving the house. Juliette confronts Darius. Twig tries to keep Jonah's secret from Maddie. Brad's behavior is not limited to Alannah.

A medical scare gets Avery and Juliette talking. Scarlett and Sean organize a ranch benefit. Gunnar gets inspired. Avery questions a relationship. Maddie tests Twig. Deacon learns a secret.

Deacon gets a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream. Juliette makes a crucial decision. Daphne preps for the final round. Alannah confronts Brad. Avery, Gunnar, and Will discuss their future.

Juliette's new song, "Don't Put Dirt on My Grave Just Yet," catches the ear of a high-powered, hit-making producer, Howie V (Michael Chernus, "Orange Is the New Black"). He wants to make her a superstar and brings her to Los Angeles to record, but marginalizes Glenn in the process. Meanwhile, Rayna takes charge with stoicism in the aftermath of recent events, and Scarlett feels lost and alone but finds Liam to be a receptive confidante.

Rayna and Jeff compete to get Sadie to sign with either Highway 65 or Edgehill. Juliette continues to try and hide her pregnancy. Zoey becomes suspicious of Gunnar and Scarlett. Avery's drinking lands him in trouble.

The Exes find navigating their newfound fame tricky business when they go out on the road with Autumn Chase. Meanwhile, Maddie continues to grow closer with Cash, causing tension with Deacon as he questions her motives and interest in his daughter.