Rayna and Deacon face a new normal with Maddie now back home and Highway 65 is struggling financially. The shocking news about Juliette creates a wave of emotions throughout Nashville and sets Rayna off on a journey of discovery.

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.

Rayna approaches Deacon about making a concept album together, Scarlett can't trust Gunnar and Juliette seeks out her guardian angel.

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 resorts to drastic measures when she learns that Maddie has crossed paths with a duplicitous figure from her past. Juliette must choose how to publicly reckon with the truth of Jeff Fordham’s death—a decision that directly affects Layla. Scarlett and Gunnar consider parting ways as bandmates, and Will finally decides to do what he should have done long ago—step up as the leader of a cause and a community.

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?

Rayna makes a last-ditch effort to protect her oldest daughter from the perils that befall young artists. Juliette reunites with her “Shenandoah Girl” co-star Noah West on the Oscar campaign trail, where she meets Kesha, who guest stars as herself. Elsewhere, Scarlett grows wary of Gunnar’s budding friendship with Autumn Chase; Layla fears falling into obscurity before her career even takes off; and Will suffers a devastating loss.

Juliette suffers a bout of anxiety about her upcoming first major performance after the plane crash. Bucky and Zach are at odds.

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.

Juliette continues to be plagued by her injuries and Avery gets a taste of independence. Scarlett and Gunnar shoot a national commercial. Deacon plays a benefit for charity.

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 wants to change her sound and seeks out the help of a highly successful music producer, Liam McGuinnis; Juliette goes on a sham date with a squeaky-clean NFL quarterback as a PR move for her tarnished image; meanwhile, Lamar's plan to delay Coleman with a police traffic stop on his way to an important photo op for both candidates works too well, and Scarlett's relationship with Avery gets rocky.

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.

A personal crisis in Nashville causes Rayna to leave the tour in New York City before her sold-out concert with Juliette, but for Juliette, the show must go on. Jolene stakes a claim on her sober counselor Dante as Juliette gets closer to him personally and professionally, and Deacon doesn't like the woman Juliette has become and tells her point-blank. Gunnar declares the next 24 hours a "Scarlett O'Connor party" to celebrate her success, and she brings Will along to join the fun. Meanwhile Avery becomes a roadie for Juliette, and secrets involving the men in Rayna's life see the light of day.

Juliette hits a career high, including singing a duet with Steven Tyler, but her personal life plummets; Avery takes care of baby Cadence at his parents' home in Texas; Rayna deals with the aftermath of Deacon's liver transplant.

A second aneurysm leaves Beverly brain dead and Deacon consumed with guilt, while Scarlett is forced to decide whether or not 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.

Rayna wants to turn down Sony’s contract offer for Maddie to be a solo artist and finds her family life distracting her from her work with Markus. Luke is desperate to regain Colt’s trust; Gunnar’s girlfriend, Erin, causes issues on tour with Scarlett and Avery scrambles to make money doing insipid jingles.

Rayna receives a stunning offer from Zach Welles. Juliette seeks advanced treatment. Will and Kevin look for an apartment together.

Scarlett and Damien George fight over their differences. Clay shows Maddie a different part of town.

Rayna and Deacon beef up their home security after Rayna's encounter with Carl Hockney. Juliette draws closer to her guardian angel, Hallie and Avery leaps back into performing.

Rayna and Deacon take precautions as Hockney tests the limits of the restraining order. Juliette asks the church choir to work with her on an album. Scarlett finds herself drawn to Damien.

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.

Liam invites Rayna to run away with him to finish her album, and Deacon is surprised by his own reaction, as well as Stacy’s accusations; Jolene warns Juliette about Dante’s loyalty, which only drives the two women further apart; Teddy faces off with Peggy about the leaks, and in the wake of her father’s illness, Tandy proposes a new alliance to Coleman. Meanwhile Gunnar tries out some new music, and Avery and Scarlett reconnect.