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.

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 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 joins Scarlett on the road for her first tour date with Luke Wheeler and is blindsided when Deacon confronts her about putting too much pressure on Scarlett too soon. Jeff goes to war against Rayna on control of the album she produced with Liam, and Juliette makes a decision about Charlie Wentworth. Gunnar struggles to write a song for a major artist, and gets help from Scarlett-sparking an idea for Rayna that could potentially be liberating for her and life-changing for Gunnar.

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.

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.

After the crash, Rayna is in a coma and Deacon is left to wait on his pending jail sentence. Teddy is still shell-shocked about Peggy's pregnancy and struggles to understand where he belongs... Is it by Rayna's side with his daughters? Meanwhile, Maddie grapples with the revelation that Deacon is her father and, feeling alone, turns to Juliette, unwittingly revealing the details of what happened before the traumatic crash. And Gunnar and Scarlett's relationship becomes even more complicated after the proposal, so they turn to their friends, Will and Zoey, for support.

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.

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.

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.

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 and Juliette are locked for their tour. When Rayna suggests taking her girls with her, she finds that Lamar's not above holding her hostage with some long forgotten family secrets. To everyone's surprise Juliette and Sean have eloped, though not everyone is celebrating. Deacon reconnects with a former flame, and Avery follows the advice of a new music producer that puts more space between him, the band and Scarlett.

Juliette plans a surprise birthday party for Deacon, which is attended by real-life country stars Dan Auerbach, Vince Gill, Pam Tillis, Kate York and Kip Moore. During the celebration, Rayna sings, backed up by Pam Tillis and Kate York as themselves, Watty White and Adria. However, Juliette's own performance is derailed by her mother. As Rayna and Teddy's divorce moves forward, the tabloids move in, speculating about Rayna's cheating and thrusting her children into the spotlight; Teddy decides to bring Peggy into his mayoral fold and holds a press conference to make it look like it's all business; and Gunnar's brother charms Scarlett with his singing.