Country music superstar Rayna James finds her career starting to waver. In an attempt to help her reclaim some of her former glory, her label suggests she team up with rising star Juliette Barnes on tour, much to Rayna's disapproval.

As Teddy's mayoral campaign progresses, Rayna must endure an investigation and face the possibility that family secrets may be revealed. Despite her best efforts, Juliette sees Deacon continue to perform with Rayna and is irked by the obvious chemistry between them. Coleman is disappointed by Lamar's disloyalty and gets ready to play a tough political game.

Rayna and Teddy are sobered to learn that they are facing financial ruin, but Rayna won't consider borrowing money from her father or going on tour with Juliette. Jolene, Juliette's troubled mother, re-enters her daughter's life in dramatic fashion, but initially Juliette doesn't want anything to do with her. Elsewhere, Scarlett and Gunnar's big break is threatened.

Gunnar and Scarlett are thrilled to get a music publishing deal, and while Scarlett's relationship with Avery is still under strain, Gunnar soon makes a romantic connection of his own. Juliette tries to improve her tarnished image by giving an interview on Good Morning America, but her performance only makes matters worse. Rayna agrees to sing at Teddy's campaign fundraiser at the country club.

Now that Deacon and Rayna are no longer musical collaborators, they both try to move on from the relationship. Rayna reluctantly makes a TV commercial, but Deacon objects to the use of their lyrics in the project. Meanwhile, heading for the first big debate of the mayoral campaign, Teddy is faced with the possibility that his past financial problems and involvement with Peggy will be exposed.

In an effort to bring her music up to date, Rayna seeks the help of rock star and producer Liam McGuinnis, but she has to work hard to convince him to come on board. Juliette goes on a fake date with squeaky-clean sportsman Sean Butler as a PR stunt to improve her tarnished image. However, she is surprised to find that Sean is less of a goody two-shoes than he appears.