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.

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.

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.

Rayna and Deacon are back together. Juliette finds out Dante's embezzlement was just a start. Rayna and Juliette are both nominated for the same CMA award and the label throws them a party where Juliette gets smashed. Right before stage time Juliette lays into Deacon who quits on the spot, so Avery steps in. Teddy asks Maddie to let him take her to the Father-Daughter dance, and Rayna tells him about her and Deacon. Coleman hears more about Teddy's past and quits. Gunnar records his brother's song, but the producer isn't interested in his own work. Gunnar offers more of Jason's songs, and Scarlett learns the truth. Will takes Scarlett to the label party and uses it to get Rayna his demo.