Longtime country superstar Rayna James (Connie Britton) finds her career starting to waver and in an attempt to help her reclaim some of her former glory, her label suggests she team up with rising star Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) on tour, much to her disapproval. Meanwhile, Rayna's husband Teddy (Eric Close) has aspirations of his own to come out of her shadow by running for mayor, encouraged through the manipulations and strategizing of her father Lamar (Powers Boothe).
As Teddy's campaign progresses, Rayna must face the revelation of some family secrets during an investigation. Meanwhile, Juliette sees Deacon continue to perform with Rayna, and Scarlett faces the task of choosing between following her dream and her commitment to her relationship with Avery.
Rayna learns that her family is on the brink of financial ruin, while Juliette approaches Deacon with the proposal to both write and tour exclusively with her, and must always deal with her mother's re-entrance into her life.
A woman from Teddy's past returns, which tests his and Rayna's marriage. Also, Rayna performs with Deacon at Teddy's fundraiser. Meanwhile, Juliette makes an appearance on Good Morning America, and Gunner makes a connection with his publisher's assistant.
Deacon decides to set some boundaries in his relationship with Rayna, which makes her start to think the time has come to move on. Also, some parts of Deacon's past come back into the forefront of his mind, Juliette continues to struggle with her mother's addictions, and Scarlet is put in the middle of the growing tension between Gunner and Avery.
Rayna seeks out the help of a music producer to look at making changes to her sound, while Juliette looks to repair her tarnished image by going on a date with an NFL player, and Lamar's plan to ruin a photo op for Coleman works all too well.
It's the 25th anniversery show of the record label and Rayna and Juliette are forced to work together on a duet to close the show. Meanwhile Hayley is trying to help Clare get over Avery.
Rayna takes her children and sister with her on tour in NYC, but Rayna doesn't like the influence Juliette is having on her daughters. Meanwhile Dante gives Juliette some career guidance that helps her see him in a whole new way. Deacon's feelings for Stacey force him to reconsider his life on the road. Gunnar is thrown by Scarlett's hiding information from him.moreless
Rayna's love triangle with Deacon and Liam comes to a head, while Juliette's mother accuses Dante of cheating. Teddy confronts Peggy about the allegations Rayna's sister made, and Gunnar attempts some new music.
A party is thrown for Juliette and Rayna by their record company when they're both nominated for CMAs. Teddy's new relationship is on the rocks, while Gunnar's disagreements with Will upsets Scarlett.
As Teddy and Rayna battle over their girls, Lamar comes to Rayna's rescue. Meanwhile Avery and Will get a promising music opportunity, as Jolene tries to help a fragile Juliette.
While at the Country Music Awards (CMAs) Rayna and Deacon get the opportunity to perform with Brad Paisley, while Juliette finds a letter from Jolene with big revelations. Teddy's career is under threat by the U.S. Attorney's Office, while Gunnar desperately attempts to get Scarlett back.