Chart-topping Rayna James is a country legend who's had a career any singer would envy, though lately her popularity is starting to wane. Fans still line up to get her autograph, but she's not packing the arenas like she used to. Rayna's record label thinks a concert tour, opening for up-and-comer Juliette Barnes, the young and sexy future of country music, is just what Rayna needs. But scheming Juliette can't wait to steal Rayna's spotlight. Sharing a stage with that disrespectful, untalented, little vixen is the last thing Rayna wants to do, which sets up a power struggle for popularity. Could the undiscovered songwriting talent of Scarlett O'Connor be the key to helping Rayna resurrect her career? 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. With Deacon and the artists of Highway 65 taking a stand, Zach sends a message. Maddie and Juliette's conflict comes to a head. Daphne goes to a pool party. Gunnar returns from Avery's tour. Juliette shoots a mascara commercial but takes issue with the direction. Deacon gets invited to play the Opry, but hesitates; Avery and Gunnar embrace life on the road. Gunnar visits his hometown and faces the ghosts of his past. Maddie and Juliette are nominated for the same music award. Deacon helps Jessie record; Scarlett learns self-defense. Juliette takes great pains to keep Maddie from learning the truth. Deacon considers a new artist for Highway 65. Scarlett's pregnancy faces complications; Gunnar searches for the mugger.