Jewel and Kara DioGuardi meet the 12 aspiring songwriters.

The songwriters must step up their game as they write dance club anthems that will be judged by the disco queen herself, Donna Summer. The contestants perform their songs at a Hollywood hotspot to see if they can get the dance floor moving, but one songwriter proves to be a dud in the club.

Sometimes the best muse a songwriter can have is the open road as the contestants are faced with a hook challenge inspired by the classic American road trip. The contestants hit the highway in search of creativity, but end up testing their patience instead.

The songwriters explore their crossover potential by showing off their rapping skills for guest judge Rodney Jerkins. Some contestants embrace the challenge while others see it as a mere novelty.

Sparks fly when the songwriters are challenged to write a love song and a surprise twist changes the game for the first time in the competition. With Grammy winning singer-songwriter Ryan Tedder on the panel, two contestants find out love is a battlefield.

The songwriters display their talents on the mean streets of Los Angeles in the riskiest challenge of the season.