After his collapse while performing at the late night show, Will recovers in the hospital and frets about his future. Brad gets a restraining order against Deacon, fueling conflict between Deacon and Jessie. The media get wind of Juliette’s extended stay in South America and begin harassing Avery about it. Maddie gets caught up in the fast lane lifestyle of Jonah Ford.

Rayna and Teddy's relationship is tested when Rayna performs with Deacon at Teddy's campaign fundraiser and a woman from Teddy's past (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) shows up with a secret. Meanwhile, Juliette tries to burnish her image with an appearance on "Good Morning America" and is interviewed by Robin Roberts; Gunnar makes a connection with his publisher's assistant, Hailey; and Teddy and Coleman agree to take the moral high ground during the campaign -- but will it last?

Daphne struggles with the idea of Deacon dating. Juliette introduces Avery to Darius. Maddie and Jonah record a song, but Maddie finds Jonah’s life a little too public. Will learns news about Zach and find ways to enhance his appearance.

Darius helps Juliette unlock a dark truth about her past; Daphne and Jake bond over each other's dislike of their parents dating; Scarlett volunteers at an equine therapy ranch; Gunnar, Will and Avery struggle to find their sound.

Juliette discovers that Darius Enright’s Movement is not the happy utopia that it seemed to be. She demands to leave, but they won’t let her. The tension in the group too much to bear.

A visitor from the past comes into Deacon's life -- his father, a very unpleasant surprise. With Alannah out of the picture, the band flounders and the guys have to consider whether it's worth continuing.

Rayna learns her family is facing financial ruin; Juliette asks Deacon to write and tour with her exclusively; Juliette's mother re-enters her life.

Rayna thinks about moving on when Deacon sets boundaries in their relationship; as Juliette struggles with her mother's addictions, Deacon is reminded of difficult moments in his past; tension between Gunnar and Avery puts pressure on Scarlet.

Katie Couric guest stars as herself when Rayna appears on the "Katie" show, trying to set the record straight about her marriage and balancing her career with motherhood. Juliette attempts to take her album launch into her own hands but it backfires when she tweets out a surprise concert location. Maddie lies to Teddy about her whereabouts — with dangerous consequences — and Deacon is drawn to his dog’s pretty new veterinarian, Stacey. Meanwhile Avery tries to control his musical destiny by flouting Dominic and Marilyn, and things are awkward between Scarlett and Gunnar, as he continues to process his brother’s death.

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 and 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 Deacon struggle to write their album. Maddie and Daphne create a disturbance at home. Damien apologizes to Scarlett. Scarlett and Gunnar question their relationship.

Maddie and Clay get pulled over by a police officer. Juliette searches for a hit to relaunch her career. Damien George returns to Nashville with a grand plan for Scarlett.

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. Will coaches Gunnar. Deacon deals with loneliness.

Deacon goes on a date with a familiar face. Juliette dives into a self-help movement. Will and Gunnar invite Avery to perform with them. Scarlett is reminded how her career as had a positive influence on fans. Daphne reaches out to Jake.

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.

As Brad's country music singing competition begins, he and a singing coach instantly recognize Daphne as a star in the making. Meanwhile, Avery's relationship with Alannah deepens.

In the premiere episode, "Pilot," Rayna learns that her record label wants her to tour as the opening act for newcomer Juliette Barnes, and when she refuses, the stage is set for the ultimate power struggle for popularity. Complicating matters, Lamar's drive for power results in backing Teddy in a run for Mayor of Nashville, against Rayna's wishes.

Teddy's mayoral campaign is moving ahead and Rayna reluctantly endures an investigation that reveals some explosive family secrets. Meanwhile Coleman Carlisle is starting to lay down the groundwork for his campaign when he discovers Lamar is poised to go head to head with him... even if it means exposing his longtime friend; Juliette, who will stop at nothing when it comes to getting her hands on Deacon, sees him perform with Rayna at the Bluebird, and it's clear that not all feelings fade with time; and Scarlett is torn between pursuing her dream of songwriting with Gunnar and her commitment to Avery.

Rayna needs to take a look at what’s really important to her after hearing Teddy’s side of the story about Peggy; Juliette feels a sense of belonging with Sean’s family that she has never experienced before; Gunnar risks his partnership with Scarlett when he confesses his feelings; and music producer Dominic Wells invites Avery to Atlanta to work together while Deacon gets an amazing offer to tour -- but both opportunities come with a price.

As Teddy’s wedding day nears, Maddie feels lost and tells Rayna she wants to get to know Deacon better, forcing Rayna to confront Deacon about stepping up to co-parent. Luke Wheeler commiserates with Rayna about the challenges of exes and parenting. While on tour in Texas, Juliette angers a lecherous but very influential radio DJ who starts promoting Layla at Juliette’s expense. Deacon tries to find his way back to music and discovers an unexpected ally in Avery. While on a date with Layla, Will runs into Brent on a date with a new man, and Gunnar finds himself in a power position in his singing and songwriting.

Scarlett's career is on fire as she sings "Free" in concert with Zac Brown, but the demands of fame are burning her out. Rayna asks Deacon to help write a much-needed hit for her new album, and it's like old times--perhaps too much. Concert venues are dropping from Juliette's tour and Jeff, her label head, is furious, and Zoey is bruised by Gunnar's inattention when he gets an invitation to co-write from Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts.

Rayna attempts to use some new publicity opportunities to promote her album and the record label.

Rayna increases her publicity by singing on "Dancing With the Stars" and having a reporter follow her, but she then soon misses her privacy. Juliette finds it hard to deal with single parenthood.

Rayna attempts to shrug off rumors about her and Luke's breakup as she gets ready to return to the stage.

Luke and Riff are excitedly planning their upcoming tour, but Luke soon realizes he may have moved too quickly in the decision to have Riff on the road again. Meanwhile, Deacon and Frankie clash about Vita, with Frankie making a damaging decision that could change everything.