Nashville Finale: Happy 'Javery' Reunion Scrapped in Favor of Ominous Cliffhanger — Find Out Why

Lionsgate TV, one of the series’ producers, made what sources say is a strong case (business-wise, at least) to forego the upbeat ending in hopes of making the show more attractive to platforms that might pick it up for a possible Season 5, multiple sources tell TVLine.

In the version of the episode broadcast Wednesday night, Juliette was feared dead after her private jet went missing. The alternate ending had Juliette’s plane touch down safely; an emotional reunion with ex-husband Avery followed soon after.

Reps for ABC and Lionsgate declined to comment, but a source close to Lionsgate tells TVLine that the studio “is fully confident that there’s much more Nashville to be told. Tonight’s Season 4 finale ending speaks to that confidence. Not to frustrate or disappoint fans, rather Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment are listening to fans’ outpouring of support online for more.”

UPDATE: Lionsgate issued the following statement via Twitter immediately following the finale:

@LionsgateTV : #Nashies What a cliffhanger! But we won’t leave you hanging. There's more story to be told. #BringBackNashville

ABC cancelled Nashville on May 12. In the weeks since, Lionsgate has said it has been having “numerous talks with interested networks” and has exhorted fans to append #BringBackNashville to their tweets.

‘Nashville’ Creator & Producers On Finale: “We Have Stories Left To Tell”

Neither Oscar winner Khouri not Lionsgate are ready to close the book on Nashville, they told Deadline exclusively.

“Nashville fans are the absolute best, and support for the #BringBackNashville campaign has been amazing,” Khouri said. “We are so grateful for our extremely loyal following. We have stories left to tell and songs left to sing.”

The #BringBackNashville social media campaign has been growing, with a change.org petition garnering more than 100,000 signatures to date.

In a tweet at the conclusion of tonight’s finale, Lionsgate TV assured fans that there will be more Nashville.

The studio already has Season 5 mapped out, as it had funded a writers room led by new showrunners Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick, who were to succeed departing original showrunner Dee Johnson.

“Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment couldn’t have asked for better partners on Nashville than ABC, as together we created a drama that has captivated viewers worldwide and turned #Nashies into a potent group of superfans,” Lionsgate Television Chairman Kevin Beggs told Deadline. “We want to thank creator Callie Khouri and showrunner Dee Johnson for their inspiration and guidance through tonight’s exciting season finale, and know that more of the Nashville story is waiting to be told.”

Nashville Series Finale Recap: Plane Wrong

Nashville‘s series finale aired Wednesday night, bringing to an end the saga of Rayna Jaymes, Juliette Barnes and the rest of the players in their soapy, soulful Music City circle. The finale itself followed the formula for a steel-toe-boot-to-the-heart country song: one part lovin’, two parts tears, 10 parts near-certain tragedy and one part repentant teenager, praise Reba.

But because these recaps have always come from a place of love, let’s start with the happier stuff first. Rayna-Deacon fans were rewarded with the couple’s reconciliation — that marriage counselor apparently was really good at his job — which came as they successfully freed daughter Maddie from the clutches of a predatory producer.

And Scarlett and Gunnar surmounted interloping country stars, the demands of fledgling fame and many hemp chokers, finding their way back to each other in the wake of his tryst with Autumn. So that’s good, right?

Yeah, I know — it’s hard to celebrate small victories while a chasm of unresolved Javery yawns before us. And yawn it will, for eternity or until the series gets picked up by another network or platform, whichever comes first. (Spoiler alert: Magic 8 Ball says: “Signs point toward eternity.”)

Read on for the highlights of “Maybe You’ll Appreciate Me Someday.”

* Maddie’s new label hooks her up with a New York producer, and when the teen posts a selfie with the man to Instagram — duckface and all — Rayna recognizes him as a predatory creep who played the Dr. Luke to her Kesha back in the day. Vowing to save her kid from a similar fate, Rayna writes a letter about her experiences with the producer (and as a woman in the business) and has it published in the Huffington Post.

Later, while Rayna and Daphne take the stage at Rayna’s sold-out benefit concert for FosterMore — at the same time that Deacon is mysteriously MIA — Maddie reads her mom’s open letter online and then tells the producer she wants to leave. He objects in the grossest way possible, forcing a drink into her hand and telling her he thought she wanted “a real, grown-up career.”

Just then, Deacon busts in, gets Maddie out of there and doesn’t beat the producer to a pulp, which is progress! Cash shows up and apologizes for basically feeing her “friend” to a letch, and Deacon tells his daughter it’s her choice who she wants to go with. Cut to the FosterMore concert, where Maddie runs into her mom’s arms while Deacon looks on approvingly. “You brought her back,” Rayna says, kissing Deke. “Thank you.”

* When professional hater Cynthia Davis refuses to interview Will on her show (something about him being an “avowed homosexual,” which is just the dumbest damn thing you can say), Luke and Will ask Kevin — aka “The only link to the community that I have,” Will says, which, what? The only link ASIDE FROM ACTUALLY BEING GAY YOURSELF — to help them drum up a protest and concert outside her studio. It works: Cynthia agrees to have Will on her show that day, provided the spectacle outside the building shuts down.

When the cameras roll, Cynthia kicks off her show by referring to Will’s “homosexual agenda” as — I kid you not — “domestic terrorism.” But Luke realizes that she’s scared that her audience “might recognize me… as their brother or their cousin or their friend or their co-worker.” As her vitriol increases, Will only gets friendlier and warmer. “There’s nothing to be scared of here,” he reassures her.

The interview is a hit, and Will exits the studio to see the crowd — and a very happy Kevin — waiting for him. They reunite. Yay!

* The lead-up to the Oscars is marred for Juliette when a paparazzo approaches her with allegations of her involvement in Jeff’s death. (Ju, honey, after all this time, The gossip site the guy works for got its tip from Layla, and Ms. Grant goes a step further when she lets Jeff’s sister know that Colt Wheeler saw everything that went down (literally) on the night of Fordham’s death. And when a distraught Juliette won’t take Avery’s concerned calls, he figures that she’s changed her mind about wanting him and Cadence by her side in Los Angeles for her big night.

But Luke calls Avery and makes him aware that Colt told Layla about Jeff and Juliette at Deacon and Rayna’s wedding… at the same time that Glenn informs Ms. Grant that he knows she tipped off the press about Juliette, and therefore he’s no longer her manager. “What was I to you? A target? Some kind of revenge?” Avery asks, finally realizing that the woman he’s been sleeping with is “crazy, and we’re done.”

Having paid off Kate Fordham — to the tune of $3 million — Juliette laments that everything about her life is built on lies. “Tell me how I can help you,” Glenn asks. “You can’t,” she spits. So she arranges for a sit-down interview AT THE OSCARS in which she tells all about her involvement in Jeff’s death and her suicide attempt. At home, Avery watches with tears in his eyes, then calls his ex-wife and lets her know that he and Cadence are there for her.

So Juliette leaves the Oscars — she didn’t win, anyway — and boards her jet back to Nashville. But somewhere between the West and East Coasts, Avery, who’s waiting at the airport for her, gets word that Ju’s plane has gone missing. And… that’s it!

* Scarlett blurts out to Gunnar that she loves him… before he can tell her that he and Autumn have spent the past two weeks in Aruba, fleshing out each other’s harmonies, if you catch my drift. (Look, after four years, my cache of musical double entendres is growing a little thin.) With Autumn whispering that Scarlett’s a manipulator and that he should just stay on the tour as a solo artist, The Exes prepare to play their last show before breaking up. Right before they go on stage, Scarlett decides to come completely clean with her bandmate… which leads to them kissing on stage… which leads to Autumn firing them.

Chiwetel Ejiofor, Connie Britton, Margot Robbie & More Join NBC’s ‘Red Nose Day Special’

Also scheduled for the special are Ellen DeGeneres, Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Julianne Moore, Liam Neeson, Sarah Silverman, Tracy Morgan, Key & Peele, Anna Kendrick, Seth Rogen, Zac Efron and Ellie Kemper, along with Kristen Bell, Emma Watson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Rose Byrne, Blake Griffin, Emma Thompson, Chloë Grace Moretz, Steve Buscemi, Danny Trejo, Adam Devine and Ron Funches. Additional talent will be announced at a later date.

Created by Oscar nominee and Emmy Award-winning writer-director Richard Curtis, (Love Actually, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill), the idea of Red Nose Day was built upon the foundation that mass media and celebrities can help raise money and awareness of poverty to save and change millions of lives.

Red Nose Day has raised over $1 billion globally in the last 25 years, and in the UK has become a cultural phenomenon where people across the country come together to have fun, raise money and change lives. Red Nose Day launched in the U.S. in 2015, and raised more than $23 million, with the money now at work in all 50 states and 15 countries internationally through programs to keep children and young people safe, healthy and educated.

Is Nashville Star Alicia Witt the Smartest Woman in Hollywood?

Before she was an actress, Witt was a child prodigy and classical pianist. She was cast on her first film, David Lynch's Dune after his casting director saw her recite Shakespeare on That's Incredible when she was just 5 years old.

"Childhood was wacky!" Witt tells PEOPLE with a laugh. "When I was little I played piano and traveled all over competing, but I knew by the time I was 14 that I didn't want to pursue that as a career. I wanted to write and sing my own songs."

Witt eventually released an album of her own while continuing to act in film and TV and show off her smarts on shows like Celebrity Jeopardy!

"The first time I was on it I won, but the second time I was beat by Fred Savage, who was going to Stanford at the time," she says.

Witt, who was in the other popular Lynch vehicle Twin Peaks will also appear in Showtime's upcoming reboot.

"It was really odd. In some ways, being back there felt like time hadn't moved forward at all," Witt says of heading back to Washington to reprise her role. "I wasn't allowed to tell anybody while I was doing it. Now I can finally talk about it!"

Nashville series finale airs Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET on ABC, and Twin Peaks is slated to hit Showtime in 2017.

Ratings: Empire Season 2 Finale Delivers 6-Week Highs

Opening Fox’s night, Rosewood (4.7 mil/1.4) was up 9 and 27 percent to match its best numbers since Dec. 2.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

THE CW | Arrow (2.15 mil/0.8) and Supernatural (1.92 mil/0.7) were steady.

CBS | Survivor (9.6 mil/2.1) was steady week-to-week and off just a tenth from its previous finale. The reunion show (6.8 mil/1.5) was down two tenths from last season.

NBC | Heartbeat (3.8 mil/0.7) and Chicago P.D. (6.9 mil/1.4) were steady, while SVU (5.6 mil/1.2) slipped 11 percent and two tenths.

ABC | The Goldbergs (6.3 mil/1.8) dipped a tenth while everything else was flat.

Nashville Recap: Beginning of the End

Not because the hour is kicked off by a cameo featuring the co-hosts of The View (though that is painful). Or because after all these seasons, the show still can’t find something for Will to do other than “be gay.” Or because Elton John guest-stars mainly to prop Gunnar’s ego. Or even because Derek Hough tries to make spaghetti squash sound interesting.

This week’s Nashville is a hard one because, by tossing Rayna and Deacon into an intensive couples’ therapy session that forces them to review their entire relationship, we’re reminded once more that these two are the heart of the series. And though that heart is stuck on a destructive carousel and often sacrificed at the altar of less satisfying storylines, it’s still tickin’, y’all.

What might Rayna and Deacon’s love story, fraught though it may be, have looked like in a rejuvenated, revamped, Herkovitz-and-Zwicked Season 5? Would it have been Big Red-on-Deke’s-doorstep-Season-1 good? Would it have been so different from what came before, it would’ve felt disconnected from the rest of the couple’s narrative? Unfortunately, we’ll likely never find out. And yeah, I’m bummed about that.

But there’s a little more rock left in this crocodile, so let’s get to the highlights of the hour.

WERK WERK WERK WERK WERK IT OUT | Rayna and Deacon have booked the entire day with a marriage counselor, and they spend the time crying, yelling, looking hurt and bemoaning the cycle they always seem to find themselves in: “Betrayal, destruction, abandonment, forgiveness,” Rayna says as Deacon sits so far away from her, it looks like he’s trying to merge his physical being with the couch.

After separate sessions, the therapist helps Rayna see that she has a history of gravitating toward men who let her down (like Deacon and her dad), and Deke has a “great sense of guilt and remorse” about… pretty much everything related to Rayna. “The tough question you both have to answer is: What are you both getting out of this relationship?” the counselor asks them. Ooh, ooh! I know this one! Heartbreak and ulcers?

After a nearly silent ride home, Deacon declares, “I’m done being the screw-up in your life” and basically tells Rayna the ball’s in her court as to what comes next. But after they both agree that their chief desire is to bring Maddie home — UGH Maddie, why is everything about you?! — there is a tiny thawing when Rayna tentatively touches her husband’s back in bed that night, and he slowly reaches for her hand. You’re totally going to leave Rayna and Deacon in a not-great place, aren’t you, Nashville?

I GUESS THAT’S WHY THEY CALL THEM THE BLUES | Autumn’s tour is on a break, so Scarlett goes to Chicago to shoot that headphones ad they talked about last episode. And Gunnar joins Autumn on a jaunt to Boston “to see my old friend, Elton John” and DOUBLE UGH to you, lady.

So while a photographer pokes at Scarlett’s emotional soft bits in order to get a truthful shot — because God knows, when I’m ugly crying, I want someone with an expensive lens and no sense of boundaries all up in my face — Gunnar gets invited on stage by Sir Elton himself. “Please give a big welcome to Gunnar Scott!” Elton shouts to the crowd. “Who is that?” the crowd shouts back. (I kid.)

After the show, Gunnar is primed to buy what Autumn is selling: that he’s a solo-caliber artist who deserves to strike out on his own. Oh, “and in case it wasn’t already abundantly clear, I like you, Gunnar. A lot,” Autumn chirps. So while Scarlett is sobbing to Noel that “I’m in love with him, in love with Gunnar,” Gunny is getting ready to shag Autumn and HOLY SAM PALLADIO TORSO. Suddenly, I’m not so against this storyline.

NOAH IS NUMBINGLY NORMAL | Noah decides he and Juliette need to spend normal people time together, so he flies to Nashville and shows up on her doorstep. But sadly, the Hollywood star turns out to be just kind of a boring guy who’s good with Cadence and knows his way around starchy vegetables.

But Noah’s appearance in Music City is enough to rile up Avery, who spends a significant amount of Layla’s album-release performance at The Bluebird preoccupied thinking about how many times Noah may or may not have Shenandoah’d his girl. And when Layla realizes, she causes just enough drama to turn the focus back to her. Gross. (Also, you wanted Avery’s tie to “match” your… black dress, Layla? It’s not exactly salmon or celery or cerulean. Couldn’t he literally reach into his closet blindfolded and pick an ensemble that would complement your LBD?)

A DAD REDEEMED | After that View bit, in which Luke once more defends Will against the Cynthia Davises of the world and Raven Symone nearly looks directly into the camera, the men of Wheelin’ Dealin’ Records decide that it’s time for Will to start doing his own press. But then Luke gets a call from the infirmary at Fort Benning, where Colt is stationed, and he has to hurry to his son’s side.

So Will handles a radio interview on his own, and it goes so well that a young gay man seeks out the singer at his home and informs him that he’s a role model who had a positive impact by living his “truth.” The encounter revitalizes Will, who decides that he’s going to go on Davis’ talk show and confront the bigoted bully in person.

Speaking of bigoted bullies, turns out that Colt’s arm is broken and his head is concussed because he fought some homophobic jerks on the base who were talking smack about Luke defending Will. And though he’s in rough shape, he’s proud of his dad for once, so maybe the stitches are worth it.

ABC Boss on Castle and Nashville Cuts, Shorter Breaks, the Future of #TGIT

Alluding to, among other things, how the former was set to move forward without leading lady Stana Katic, Dungey said, “The studios in each case were looking for the best creative and financial ways to make room [for new seasons]. They were definitely engaged in conversations [about how to] set them up for the best of success, should they get the order.” ABC meanwhile took stock of the ratings, their own financial situation and the new dramas in development, “and at the end of the day… the future for us did not necessarily lie in those shows.”

Among the other topics the ABC boss covered:

GOODBYE, LONG WINTER NAPS? | Dungey told TVLine, “We’re not doing as big a gap strategy as we may have done in the past,” with regards to benching shows such as Once Upon a Time and Grey’s Anatomy for multiple months at midseason. “There’s going to be certain shows that have slightly longer breaks, and certain ones that have very short breaks. I would prefer not to have big gaps, but this is the beginning of the evolution of this new strategy.”

A ‘DARKER’ S.H.I.E.L.D. | Moving Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. to the Tuesdays-at-10 slot will allow the series to “go a little bit edgier, a little darker, and take some risks,” Dungey said — though the later berth was more a result of wanting to establish a new two-hour comedy block on Tuesday, and not so much a desire to move S.H.I.E.L.D. As for ABC ever hosting other Marvel projects — the S.H.I.E.L.D. spinoff Marvel’s Most Wanted didn’t make the cut for next season — Dungey said that coming off a recent meeting with Marvel publisher Dan Buckley, “We’re very excited about a few things we have in development,” with the eye on “[making] sure what we do next feels like it’s going to help expand both of our brands.”

#TGIT IN TRANSITION | With Scandal on hold until midseason, Dungey said “it made sense” to give a new drama — the real life-inspired Notorious (starring Piper Perabo and Daniel Sunjata) — in the cushy Thursdays-at-9 slot. (As for whether ABC’s Thursday slate will still be marketed as “#TGIT” with a non-Shondaland show in the mix, Dungey said it was too early to discuss marketing plans for the fall.) Wherefor art Shondaland’s Romeo & Juliet sequel series? Still Star-Crossed “was always intended to be a midseason show, because it’s a big, epic, sweeping period saga, and we wanted to make sure we had enough time to produce it in the way it needed to be produced,” Dungey explained, while holding The Catch for midseason, where it will again air out of the Grey’s Anatomy/Scandal combo, offers “consistency” for the viewer.

Connie Britton "So Upset" After Nashville Cancellation

"I'll talk to my Nashville friends, and they're all devastated," said Britton, who lived in Nashville about 10 months out of a year during filming. " It's a real bummer also for the town too. I'm going to miss those people so much. I'm so upset, then I talk to my friends in L.A., and they're like, 'We're so happy you're coming home.' So I'm just like, I don't know what I feel!"

ABC cancels Nashville.

She's been raising her son, who she adopted from Ethiopia in 2011, in the city. "He's 5, and we've been doing the show there for four years, so it's a big deal. It's over. The end of an era. I think he's going to just ditch me now because he's like, 'I'm staying in Nashville now. These people are cool. I'm learning how to play the drums. See you later.'"

As for the show, (as well as the recently ended Castle), ABC president Channing Dungey told press, "At the end of the day, it didn't feel that -- even though Castle and Nashville were wonderful shows for us and good performers for a long time -- that the future for us did not necessarily lie in those shows."

Connie Britton Reacts to Nashville Cancellation: 'I Am Forever Changed'

On Thursday, ABC chose not to renew the country-music drama for a fifth season. The actress recently posted a note to her Instagram account, thanking the drama’s cast, crew and fans of the country-music drama for their support over the show’s run.

“I’d just like to say it’s been my honor to be a part of this world, to live in it and breathe it in and try to replicate it,” Britton wrote.

She also seemed to reference Nashville‘s missteps, such as the current, polarizing Maddie-emancipation storyline. “Sometimes we were more successful than others. But the place of Nashville in my heart is deep and permanent,” she wrote. “And I am forever changed for the better.”

On a related note, Lionsgate TV — which produced Nashville with ABC Studios — tweeted on Friday that it was “working hard” to find a new home for the series.You can read Britton’s message in full below:

To the amazing friends and family who are Nashville, to the cast and crew, and most of all to the fans...I'd just like to say it's been my honor to be a part of this world, to live in it and breathe it in and try to replicate it. Sometimes we were more successful than others. But the place of Nashville in my heart is deep and permanent. I am grateful for the hard work and faith of so many who dedicated themselves to creating and supporting this show. And I am forever changed for the better. Thanks for the music.

Don’t despair yet, ‘Nashville’ fans! The show could get renewed on a new network

Twitter was immediately flooded with enraged tweets from fans of the show, and more than a few cast members joined in on the impromptu mourning session.

Lucky for fans of the country music drama, “Nashville” might not be as dead as we all believed.

According to Lionsgate television group chairman Kevin Beggs, the show is looking for a new network to renew them. “We’re looking for a new home. We never give up on a great show,” he says.

The obvious choice for a pickup would be Hulu, which is doing great things with FOX’s former sitcom “The Mindy Project.” Netflix could also be an option, since ratings are not especially troubling or important the streaming service.

Nashville Stars React to the Show's Cancellation: "I Wish it Was Handled With More Care"

After four seasons, ABC decided to cancel Nashville on Thursday. And while the stars and fans of the country music drama are pretty upset over the news, no one seems to be taking it harder than the city of Nashville, which enjoyed increased tourist revenue after the show's debut in 2012.

"We are incredibly disappointed to hear the news that ABC has not renewed the show Nashville for another season," mayor Megan Barry tweeted on Thursday. "The show has been an enormously successful promotional tool for our city, which is why the State of Tennessee and Metro Nashville were prepared to support production for a fifth season to be filmed here."

Alas, it was not meant to be.

Barry continued, "This is a loss for ABC and for the millions of fans across the world who have grown to love this show."

Nashville's stars also expressed their sadness over the cancellation on social media, including Charles Esten, who plays fan-favorite leading man Deacon. "So grateful to so many for the dream that has been #Nashville," he wrote. "Not always easy to be Deacon. But to play him? An absolute joy and an honor."

Chris Carmack tweeted, "#Nashville will be so cherished by so many... Trying to wrap my head around it..."

Aubrey Peeples added, "I'm so thankful I was a part of a special show," but hinted that she didn't think ABC treated the show that way it deserved to be treated. "I wish it was handled with more care. thank you to every fan who kept us going #Nashville."

While stars Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere have yet to react to the news, boss Callie Khouri tweeted, "With a heavy heart, I thank all our incredible fans for all of your love, huge thanks to the city of Nashville. See you on down the road."

Nashville's finale airs Wednesday, May 25 on ABC.

Nashville Cancelled at ABC

Season 5 would have found the country-music drama under the leadership of new showrunners: thirtysomething‘s Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick were set to replace Dee Johnson, who was stepping down from the role.

The Season 4 finale — which now likely will serve as its series finale — airs Wednesday, May 25.

Hayden Panettiere Taking "Time to Reflect Holistically" on Health & Life Following Postpartum Depression Battle

The Nashville star, who welcomed daughter Kaya in December 2014, let fans know Thursday via Twitter that as a result of her postpartum depression experience, she would be taking some time to take care of herself.

"The postpartum depression I have been experiencing has impacted every aspect of my life," wrote Hayden, 26. "Rather than stay stuck due to unhealthy coping mechanisms I have chosen to take time to reflect holistically on my health and life. Wish me luck!"

We definitely wish Hayden the best and applaud her to help de-stigmatize the issue of postpartum depression and what follows it. "It's something a lot of women experience," she said on Live! With Kelly and Michael back in September. "But you don't realize how broad of a spectrum you can really experience that on. It's something that needs to be talked about. Women need to know that they're not alone, and that it does heal."

Hayden checked into a treatment center this past October for her postpartum depression. After voluntarily seeking treatment, she continued to be open about her experiences, telling Yahoo! Style earlier this year that she was "floored" by the amount of love she received after speaking out.

"The more open I was, the more acceptance I got from people," she said. "I got so much support and so much love. I was floored. I feel much more exposed, yes, but in a great way."

Jonathan Jackson + Enation on Releasing New EP, Blame-Shifter: 'We Wanted to Tackle Making an Edgier, Rock Album'

The band, who have been making music together for over a decade, knew exactly the direction they wanted to take their next EP, Blame-shifter.

"We wanted to tackle making an edgier, rock album and just kind of wanted to give more of a feel of what it's like when we perform live," Jackson, 34, tells PEOPLE exclusively. "That was the musical angle. The lyrical angle, Blame-shifter, just came from a book I was reading that I was very inspired by. It's just the idea of instead of being defensive and shifting the blame to just accepting it."

Jackson, who is known for his role as Avery Barkley on the hit show Nashville, says music has always been a major part of his life.

"When I lived in L.A. as a teenager, I was always playing the Sunset Strip, Whisky a Go Go, The Roxy, The Viper Room and all those clubs," he says. "We've been doing it for a long time. Then, going to Nashville and starting that show was amazing because all of the musical experience that I had was able to be used in the show. So, those two worlds have come together now."

As an artist of many realms, Jackson has mentioned that he can be inspired by everything around him.

"Inspiration for songs comes from all over the place really," he previously told PEOPLE. "A lot of it is personal experiences and there are times where you sort of take on a character and write from that character's perspective. Though sometimes the songs aren't autobiographical, they express things that you're thinking about or that you care about."

With their EP being released Friday, the band will be kicking off their tour on Sunday and couldn't be more thrilled.

"It's really just the experience of entering into the music with the audience and creating an atmosphere," says Jackson. "Music is a really powerful thing. It's changed my life in many ways and has meant so much to me that to be able to share that experience with other people – that's really the most special thing for me."

The CW Orders Frequency to Series

The network on Thursday announced official pick-up for Frequency.

The new series official loglines, as well as casting details, are below:

FREQUENCY | Logline: “In this reimagining of the New Line Cinema film, a female police detective in 2016 discovers she is able to speak via a ham radio with her estranged father (also a detective) who died in 1996. They forge a new relationship while working together on an unresolved murder case, but unintended consequences of the ‘butterfly effect’ wreak havoc in the present day.”

The cast includes Riley Smith (Nashville, True Blood), Mekhi Phifer (ER), Peyton List (The Flash, The Tomorrow People), Lenny Jacobson (Nurse Jackie), Anthony Ruivivar (Third Watch), Devin Kelley (Chernobyl Diaries) and Daniel Bonjour (The Walking Dead).

Ratings: P.D. Rises With Spinoff Pilot; SVU, Arrow Rebound From Lows

Leading out of that, Chicago P.D.’s planted Chicago Justice spinoff pilot did 6.7 mil and a 1.4, up a tenth from last week’s season low. (In a TVLine poll, 81 percent said they would “definitely” or “maybe” watch the latest #OneChicago offering.) Opening the Peacock’s night, Heartbeat (4.3 mil/0.7) dipped a tenth.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

THE CW | Arrow (2.2 mil/0.8) ticked up from last week’s series lows; Supernatural (1.75 mil/0.7) also was up.

FOX | Rosewood (4.8 mil/1.2) and Empire (9.7 mil/3.6) were both steady.

CBS | Survivor (9.4 mil/2.1) was steady. Both Beyond Borders episodes (6 mil/1.1, 5.9 mil/1.1) were off a tenth from last week.

ABC | The Middle (6.6 mil/1.6), The Goldbergs (6.1 mil/1.8) and Modern Family (7.1 mil/2.1) all ticked down, black-ish (5.4 mil/1.6) was steady and bubble drama Nashville (4 mil/0.9) rose a tenth.

Nashville Recap: All Over But the Cryin'

I’d sit, eyes propped open with that Clockwork Orange contraption, through the entire depressing run of Will and Layla’s reality series. I’d pretend to care while Luke Wheeler waxed rhapsodic about his “brand.” I’d give Glenn’s toupee its nightly combing. I’d serve as Gunnar and Scarlett’s couples’ counselor. I’d even trim Layla’s bangs (but I’d probably roll my eyes a lot while doing so).

In short, I’d do pretty much anything not to be on the receiving end of Rayna’s mama-bear anger, buttressed by her frustration with Deacon and exacerbated by the knowledge that Maddie is treading the exact same trouble-laden path Rayna herself forged as an emancipated teen. Big Red is an intimidating presence when she wants to be, y’all.

Elsewhere in the episode, Will suffers a terrible loss, Juliette has sex with a Shenandoah guy, and Deacon gets fatalistic real fast. Oh, and Kesha! Read on for the highlights of “After You’ve Gone.”

INTRODUCING MADDIE JAYMES | In the week since Maddie won her freedom, Deacon’s been scrubbing walls in a reflective orange vest, Rayna’s been singing on her tour (remember that? Because I sure didn’t) and crying on her jet, and Daphne’s been ignoring her sister’s apologetic texts. Over at Camp Maddie, the teen worries that it’s too soon to play a showcase for record-label executives, but Cash — as always — steamrolls her, insisting that they strike while the emancipated iron is hot.

When Rayna gets word of the showcase, thanks to Bucky, she works overtime to make sure that the New York-based Lennox Hill doesn’t get its hooks into her daughter. She even shows up at the event — restraining order be damned! — just in time to see Maddie JAYMES (“I wonder whose idea that was?” Rayna snarks to Cash, who seeks her out in the wings) take the stage in a leather miniskirt. As Mads sings “Wild Card,” her mom makes the aforementioned veiled threat to the blonde interloper… who seems nonplussed. “She’s not your daughter anymore,” Cash notes. The nerve!

Elsewhere in town, Deacon gets some straight talk in a phone call from Scarlett (“You have some fault in this”), tries to make things right with Frankie (who informs Deke he’s going to buy him out of The Beverly or else), and winds up telling the attendees of an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, “I have tried like hell to be a good man, to walk the straight and the narrow, and none of it mattered. Because I lost it all.” Deacon, honey: IT’S BEEN ONE WEEK.

HISTORY REPEATING | Thanks to a brief meeting with Juliette, who advises Maddie to go back to the family that loves her, the young artist at least has Glenn on her side when the offers start coming in. (And having him around ticks Cash off, so I approve.) Glenn advises Maddie to take an offer from the Nashville-based Tupelo Hill, but Cash says the label head is a good friend of Rayna’s, so it’s no dice. Maddie winds up going with Lennox Hill — a “clean break,” as Cash puts it — and Rayna tearfully laments to Tandy that her daughter is lost.

Over at his place, where he’s been sleeping, Deacon fondles a bottle of booze and is about to open it when he gets a call from Rayna, which staves off some major drama… at least for now. I am aware that relapses happen, and that they are a big/awful part of what it means to be in recovery, but please don’t make me watch Deacon and Rayna go through that again, Nashville. My achy breaky heart can only ache and break so much in a season, you dig?

A TOUGH GOODBYE MADE HARDER | Will’s bad week following Luke’s botched Cynthia Davis interview gets way worse when his Aunt Betty calls: Will’s mom has died. He drives all night to reach his childhood home, where his ogre of a father hasn’t achieved much in the way of personal growth since the last time we saw him. Mr. Lexington Sr. wastes no time telling his son that they’ve burned all the photos of him, and he’s not welcome at his mother’s service the next day. But Will shows up anyway, gives a brief speech, then later confronts his dad about being a homophobic jerk and bad husband. Apparently, something gets through Papa Lexington’s bigoted skull, because he intercedes when someone casually calls Will a “homo” outside the wake. I suppose even the most infinitesimal of baby steps still counts as progress, right?

IN WHICH NOAH RESURFACES | Avery plays a pretty awesome new song called “Kinda Dig the Feeling” at an intimate venue, and afterwards, he and Layla are all over each other outside the club. A photographer snaps a few shots, which soon wind up on a gossip site’s homepage (along with a photo in which Juliette I think is supposed to look angry/upset but instead just appears to be mid-sneeze).

Reactions to the photos are mixed. Layla is over the moon… until she realizes that Avery isn’t jazzed to be part of another tabloid-fodder couple. Juliette, meanwhile, completely freaks out, demanding that Emily help her find someone hot to accompany her to all the pre-Oscar events for Shenandoah Girl.

The guy who gets the gig is a lunk, but it doesn’t matter, because Noah’s at one of the parties with Kesha (excuse me, Ke$ha) on his arm. But they’re just friends, and he’s really into Juliette, and the pair wind up sharing a dance and then a bed. And he wants to make this a thing, which surprises and — I think? — delights her. (Side note: Juliette dejectedly snacking out of the bar’s garnish box and Hayden Panettiere’s bit with that toothpick might be the best thing I’ll see on TV all week.)

Oh, and that photographer? Layla totally hired him. And it worked, because once Avery calms down, she’s still got the guy. And now she’s got a whole bunch of interview requests, too. But Glenn’s onto you, lady!

BREAKING UP THE BAND? | The Rolling Stone article on The Exes comes out, but it makes it seem like Scarlett’s the frontwoman. This irks Gunnar, who later writes a song with Autumn. I’ll say it again: That lady is so damn squirrely, I half expect her to bound across my front yard with a cheekful of acorns. Scarlett gets an offer to do a photo shoot for some headphones, but they just want “female artists,” and though Gunnar is, on so many levels, more of a girl than most women I know — the attention to hair product alone! — he doesn’t count. Still, taking part in something like that without the other half of her band gives her pause. But after learning about Gunnar’s extracurricular activities, Scar signs on for the shoot. As she bitterly notes, “Whatever’s best for the band, right?”

‘Nashville’: ABC Launches Virtual Reality Digital Specials; Precursor To Renewal?

The initiative is either a case of astute thinking ahead to Season 5 or a case of two divisions of the company — primetime entertainment and digital — being a little out of synch. Signs have been positive on a Season 5 renewal for Nashville, co-produced by Lionsgate TV and ABC Studios, with even a full-season order considered a possibility. There had been excitement at the network over the hire by Lionsgate TV of veterans Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick, who already are working with writers on breaking stories for next season.

Still, with Castle also on the bubble, coming off a highly rated episode on Monday, if ABC has to keep one, the scales will likely tip in favor of the veteran procedural, which is fully owned by ABC. But Nashville is considered a viable possibility.

While not a strong ratings performer, the music drama has solid DVR bumps. Nashville also is a brand for ABC, with Nashville-themed TV music specials, soundtracks, tours, and now a VR digital extension.

ABC Invites Fans to Nashville’s Iconic Bluebird Café in a Series of Intimate ‘Nashville: On the Record’ Virtual Reality Experiences

“If music is the heart of our show, then the Bluebird Café is its soul,” said Dawn Soler, senior vice president of music at ABC Television. “Its signature ‘In the Round’ format is what makes it so unique. Singer/songwriters pull up chairs and perform in a circle in the middle of the café. They play, sing, tell stories, and basically just have fun with the music, the audience and with each other. With this VR experience, fans will literally be at the center of it all. It’s a perfect format for virtual reality and a natural extension of ‘On the Record.’”

“As storytellers, we strive to create a world rich with characters and stories that fans will want to completely loose themselves in,” said Chris Thomes, vice president, Digital Media Studios, Disney|ABC Television Group. “Nashville fans love the music, and with VR, we can bring that world to life for them in way that is completely authentic and immersive.”

The “Nashville: On the Record VR ‘In the Round at the Bluebird’” episodes will be available as follows:

May 11 – Features performances by Charles Esten, singing “Let’s Do This Thing,” as well as a duet with Jaida Dreyer on “This Town.” Jonathan Jackson offers a special performance of “Alleluia,” and Lennon & Maisy Stella share “A Life That’s Good.”

May 18 – Features Chris Carmack’s “Pieces of You.” Sam Palladio shares his personal hit “Wake Me up in Nashville” and joins K.S. Rhoads for “Battles.” Levi Hummon caps the performances with “Life’s For Living.”

May 18 – Full performance scene from that night’s episode of “Nashville,” featuring Layla (Aubrey Peoples), Avery (Jonathan Jackson), Bucky (David Alford) and Glenn (Ed Amatrudo).

May 25 – Features Clare Bowen and Brandon Robert Young singing “It’s Not Yours To Throw Away.” Sarah Siskind sings “Keep Me Alive” before joining Aubrey Peeples on “Too Far From You,” and Erin McCarley and K.S. Rhoads perform their heartbreaking song, “I Will Never Let You Know.”

“Nashville” airs WEDNESDAYS (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on the ABC Television Network. Full episodes are available the day after they air on abc.com and the WATCH ABC app.

ABC Digital Media Studio’s “On the Record” is a documentary web series that follows the life of original songs performed on “Nashville” written by singer/songwriters in the music scene, from the songs’ inception to on-air premiere. The series offers an intimate look into the songwriting process, from guitar demo to music video and all the steps in between.

All original music is released by ABC Studios, Lionsgate and ABC Music Lounge in association with Big Machine Records.

“Nashville” stars Connie Britton as Rayna Jaymes, Hayden Panettiere as Juliette Barnes, Clare Bowen as Scarlett O’Connor, Chris Carmack as Will Lexington, Will Chase as Luke Wheeler, Charles Esten as Deacon Claybourne, Jonathan Jackson as Avery Barkley, Sam Palladio as Gunnar Scott, Maisy Stella as Daphne Conrad, Lennon Stella as Maddie Conrad and Aubrey Peeples as Layla Grant.

“Nashville” is executive produced by Dee Johnson, Callie Khouri and Steve Buchanan. Buddy Miller is executive music producer and Frankie Pine is music supervisor. The series is produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios, and Opry Entertainment, and is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HDTV format with 5.1 channel surround sound.

Big Machine Records is the leading independent Nashville-based record label home to superstars such as Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts. The imprint is under the Big Machine Label Group umbrella, which also includes The Valory Music Co., Republic Nashville, Dot Records and Nash Icon Records, a joint venture with Cumulus.

‘Birth Of The Pill’ Event Series With Denise DiNovi & R.J.Cutler In Works At Sonar

The Birth Of the Pill revolves around four flawed, rebellious, larger than life characters racing against time, politics and ethics. They include feminist and social reformer Margaret Sanger, who opened the first birth control clinic in the United States; philanthropist and suffragist Katharine McCormick, who used her family fortune to fund the research that led to the development of the pill; visionary biologist and researcher Gregory Goodwin Pincus, co-inventor of the first oral contraceptive; and John Rock, the Catholic obstetrician and gynecologist who fought to win public approval for the new drug.

“The incredibly complex real life characters who, from vastly different directions, worked together to change the course of sexual, cultural and political history will be shocking and surprising,” said DiNovi. “The world would not have been the same without The Pill.”

Audrey Wells (Guinevere, Under the Tuscan Sun) is writing the first episode of the event series, which she executive produces with DiNovi Productions’ Denise DiNovi (Crazy, Stupid Love), her producing partner Alison Greenspan (If I Stay), and R.J. Cutler .

“This vivid history of the little pill that changed the world is as engaging and gripping as the most suspenseful and dramatic work of fiction,” said Tom Patricia, EVP, Event Series, Sonar Entertainment. “An epic story of sexual politics, rebellion and scientific discovery, it is as relevant and timely today as it was when the actual events were unfolding..”

The Birth of the Pill was named a Chicago Tribune ‘Best Books of 2014', a Washington Post ’50 Notable Works of Nonfiction & Best Science Books 2014’, a Chicago Tribune ‘Nonfiction Books to Gift 2014’, a Slate ‘Best Books 2014: Staff Picks’, and a Booklist ‘2014 Editor’s Choice’ & ‘Top 10 Science and Health Books of 2014.’

Eig, a former senior special reporter at the Wall Street Journal, authored Casey Award-winning Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig (Simon & Schuster, 2005), Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson’s First Season (Simon & Schuster, 2007), and Get Capone (Simon & Schuster, 2010). Eig is repped by APA on behalf of David Black and the David Black Agency.

Sonar’s current series includes The Shannara Chronicles for MTV, Taboo for FX and BBC One, and The Son for AMC.

Ratings: SVU, Chicago P.D. Return From 5-Week Break to Series Lows

NBC’s 17-year-old Law & Order: SVU this Wednesday returned from a five-week break to 5.2 million total viewers and a 1.1 demo rating, down 15 and 21 percent from its last fresh outing to tie and hit series lows. Similarly, Chicago P.D. (6.2 mil/1.2) slipped 8 and 20 percent vs. March 30, hitting a series low in the demo.

Opening the Peacock’s night, Heartbeat (4.1 mil/0.7) was steady.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

THE CW | Arrow (2.08 mil/0.7) slipped to series lows, while Supernatural (1.5 mil/0.6) dipped to at least a season low in the demo.

FOX | Rosewood (4.3 mil/1.6) was down 12 percent and a tenth. Empire (9.3 mil/3.6) dipped 7 percent and two tenths to its lowest digits since Thanksgiving Eve.

CBS | Survivor (9.4 mil/2.1) and Beyond Borders (6.8 mil/1.2) were steady, while bubble drama Criminal Minds‘ finale (8.8 mil/1.8, average reader grade “B+”) ticked up a tenth, matching its previous season ender.

ABC | The Middle (6.9 mil/1.7), The Goldbergs (6.6 mil/1.9) and Modern Family (7.4 mil/2.2) were steady, while black-ish (5.6 mil/1.6) and bubble drama Nashville (3.9 mil/0.9) each ticked up.

Nashville Recap: Oscar? You Barely Know Her! Plus — Maddie's Verdict

Hey, it’s not like there’s no precedent for a singer-turned-actress to nab a major award early in her acting career. But for every JHud-in-Dreamgirls and Cher-in-Moonstruck, there’s a Mariah-Carey-in-Sparkle and a Madonna-in-Shanghai Surprise. And while I love Juliette for her fire, her voice and her impressive collection of cashmere loungewear, I just don’t see her as Oscar material.

But I do see her getting chummier with Luke Wheeler in this week’s installment, and after some consideration, I might be ok with that? Am I losing my mind, fellow Nashvillians? (Not to be confused with Nashvillains.) Or am I just so happy to be watching any scene that isn’t Will sitting at home, fretting about being gay, that I’m primed to accept what seems on paper like a really bad idea?

Your guess is as good as mine. We’ll ponder it as we review the highlights of “The Trouble With the Truth.”

IT’S AN HONOR JUST TO BE… | Juliette must think she has at least some shot at an Oscar nomination, because she’s up early, watching the announcements with Emily and Glenn. When her name is mentioned, they all celebrate, and she scurries to the phone to share the good news with Avery.

But her joy takes a nose dive into the Dumpster when she realizes her ex isn’t alone… even though he’s just woken up. As he whisper-shouts into the phone that who he’s bedding is no longer any of her business, Ju’s face shows that she’s arrived at the answer faster than a Kenyan with the marathon finish line in his sight: “Avery’s with Layla!” she angrily trumpets, immediately turning her ire on Emily. (Some things never change, eh?) Ju sets yet another land-speed record when she realizes a moment later that Avery’s hook-up is “trying to steal my life!”

WHEELS UP, JU? | Because Emily is a good (and really, the only) friend to Juliette, she confronts Avery and warns him that “I just hope you didn’t sleep with Layla to keep yourself from being with Juliette.” As it turns out, he didn’t. Well, kinda. When he goes to Layla’s dressing room before that night’s show, she gives him an out — but he doesn’t want it.

“You’re not complicated, and that’s a beautiful thing,” he says. Wow, it takes some talent to knock your ex and imply that your current squeeze is about as deep as a potato chip, Avery. Well done. Even worse, Juliette overhears it all and actually sees the pair kissing. A confab with Luke helps Ms. Barnes figure out that most of her anger toward Layla is really guilt about inadvertently killing Jeff (#harshyettrue), so she sits down with The Banged One and confesses her role in Fordham’s death. Both women cry, but while Juliette is clearly very pained by the whole thing, Layla cooly informs her that really, nothing between them has changed.

What’s that, Ju? You say you want another kick in the gut? How about when Avery tells you he’s really happy, right before you go on stage, and you do the adult thing and say “Good!” while smiling to cover the fact that you’re a millisecond from crying all of your shimmering stage makeup away in a glittery river of tears.

Luke picks up on his tour partner’s sadness and asks her if there’s anything he can do to help. So Juliette brings him out to duet with her on “Boomtown.” It does the trick; she perks right up, and they end up dancing in a rather cozy fashion, with his arm flung around her middle. Half of me would rather not see Lukliette become a thing — You down with Ja-ver-y? Yeah, O-T-P! — but the other half of me would like to see Will Chase have a chance to play a romantic storyline, and the pair definitely has chemistry. Therefore, I will reserve judgment.

WHO HIRED A PEANUTS ACTOR TO DO VOICEOVER WORK? | Maddie’s emancipation hearing date arrives, and when it’s not clear how the judge will rule, the teen’s terrible lawyer suggests they employ the “alternate strategy,” aka “destroy Deacon using his drunkenly violent history as evidence he’s a threat to Mads’ safety.”

The lawyer calls Deke to the stand and begins a litany of his poor decisions, which include decking Teddy in front of City Hall, punching the Revel Kings bandmate who got all predator-y with Scarlett, jumping Luke in his front yard, etc. “You don’t understand!” I want Deke to say. “I’m a character on a primetime soap!”

But when the lawyer starts bringing up the terrible things that happened when Deacon was drinking (Rayna’s black eye long ago, Rayna’s car accident more recently), Claybourne is crestfallen as he realizes that Frankie has supplied Maddie’s legal counsel with plenty of information he gleaned as Deacon’s Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor. That night at The Beverly, while Kelsea Ballerini plays for the customers, Deke confronts Frankie behind the bar. He asks why the older man is so mad, and Frankie replies, “Maybe because your wife curr de hurr de hurr hurr!” (I swear to you, I replayed that line three times and it just got more unintelligible with each listen.)

When Frankie decks Deacon, they get into a scuffle that leaves Frankie pretty bloody. At one point, he yells, “You stole this bar like you stole your damn dead sister’s liver!” — and I, as my colleague Michael Slezak would say, hoot and holler at the sheer absurdity. Long story short, Deacon ends up in jail with a restraining order against him, and Rayna rightly blames him for making their bad situation 300 times worse. He apologizes from behind the Plexiglass partition, but Rayna just hangs up the phone and leaves him there to think about what he’s done.

The next day, the judge grants Maddie emancipated minor status. Rayna weeps.

ROLLING STONE‘D LOVE | Scarlett and Gunnar oversleep their appointment with the Rolling Stone reporter, so much sex and whiskey did they have the night before. Scar frantically jumps in the shower and yells at Gunnar to do the same. Guys, this is not a shower situation! This is a swipe-a-wet-facecloth-through-the-danger-zones-and-hope-for-the-best situation!

During the interview, Gunnar can’t stop himself from gazing dopily at his new-old love. But as they discuss their romantic history with the reporter, Gunnar gets increasingly pissy. He misinterprets Scarlett’s discussion of his rejected proposal and their first hook-up, finally telling her that she has a negative take on everything he does. Oy, guys, where is this drama coming from?

RAGE, RINSE, REPEAT | Luke’s attempt to defend Will from a conservative cable-news host’s homophobic comments goes awry when his satellite feed drops out at an inopportune moment. Aw, sorry, Luke. A for effort. Meanwhile, Will showers, fumes and yells at his TV. I wish I were oversimplifying, but that’s pretty much all Chris Carmack has to do in this episode.

Tony Award nominations

Nashville's Maddie Promises Her Frustrating Storyline Is Going to Get Better

This quest has now led the eldest daughter of country superstar Rayna James (Connie Britton) to petition the courts for emancipation from her parents, all so she can sign a record deal with a label that wants to make her a solo superstar. As you'll recall, earlier this season Rayna signed her daughter to the label she runs, Highway 65—but as a duo with little sis Daphne (Lennon's IRL sister and singing partner, Maisy Stella).

Enter Cash (Jessy Schram), the grown woman inexplicably invested in indulging Maddie's teenage fantasies (and mood swings) who has encouraged her to legally separate from her family. Legal emancipation is seriously NBD, it could just potentially lead to a permanent rift in the Conrad family—but Maddie gets to be a professional singer like a year or two earlier than her mom would've allowed, so apparently it's all worth it!

Well, frustrated viewers, the actress herself (who is a lovely, talented artist and definitely not the problem with Maddie's silly storyline) has a few words that may encourage you.

"Maddie, she's been testing her limits and boundaries. So I think she's going to keep doing that for a little bit," she told E! News' Erin Lim on the red carpet at the Radio Disney Music Awards. Sigh. Okay.

"But then she gets better," added the actress.

Hear that? There's an end in sight, people. There is a light at the end of the tunnel!

Nashville airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Ratings: Nashville Ticks Up, Arrow Rises and Empire Ends 3-Week Slide

Opening the network’s night, The Middle (6.7 mil/1.6) slipped to season lows, while black-ish (5 mil/1.5) held steady out of a(nother) Modern Family rerun.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

CBS | Survivor (9.3 mil/2.1) ticked up to 5-week highs, drawing its second-largest audience of the season. Leading out of a Criminal Minds repeat, Beyond Borders (6.5 mil/2.1) dipped to hit and tie series lows.

FOX | Rosewood (4.8 mil/1.3) inched up, while Empire (9.9 mil/3.7) ended a 3-week slide by holding steady.

NBC | Heartbeat (4.7 mil/0.8) rose 18 percent and a tenth.

THE CW | Arrow (2.28 mil/0.9) returned up a tenth, while Supernatural (1.67 mil/0.7) was steady.

Nashville Recap: Kiss and Hell

Yeah, you heard me, Layla. Abomination! I could maybe get behind your plan to seduce Juliette’s ex-husband if you… had an actual plan to seduce Juliette’s husband. But your to-do list seems like an endless loop of mope, sulk, stalk off and then glom onto Avery’s lips whenever they’re within smooching distance. Even worse: This trajectory seems to be working for you.

If you’re going to be the show’s new bitch, I’m gonna need you to be the show’s new bitch. Go ahead, I know you can do it! Snark at underlings! Plot Juliette’s personal and professional downfall! You spent enough time with Jeff Fordham to know how fan-hated characters go about life — and if you need a refresher course, just take a look at Cash.

That second couple I mentioned? Scarlett and Gunnar. But was anyone seriously worried that wasn’t going to happen? At least we got a new performance of an old favorite out of them before they started pawing each other like counselors in the art shack on a hot night at sleep-away camp.

In other news: Will’s still gay! But (said like the dad in Heathers) Luke loves his proud gay artist! Read on for the highlights of “Baby Come Home.”

NASHVILLE - "Baby Come Home" - Rayna and Deacon try everything they can think of to reunite with Maddie and avoid court, even involving Teddy (Eric Close) from jail. Juliette tries to rekindle her relationship with Avery, and her success on tour stokes Layla's jealousy, personally and professionally. Luke Wheeler leverages his own appearance on "Good Morning America" with Robin Roberts to try to jump start Will Lexington's career, on "Nashville," WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Mark Levine) CHARLES ESTEN, CONNIE BRITTON

OUR NATIONAL NIGHTMARE CONTINUES | Raise your hand if you thought the weeks following Rayna and Deacon’s extremely long-awaited Nashville wedding would be full of cuddlin’ and kissin’, not affadavits and jail visits. But the Maddie emancipation drama continues, with the teen serving her legal parents — aka Rayna and Teddy, who’s still incarcerated — with papers requiring them to be in court in 48 hours. Ray thinks if she can just get a moment alone with her kid, things will be better. So she sets up a fake meeting with Cash (which yields nothing) and then waits outside Cash’s home until she can physically stop Maddie for a quick, tearful conversation (which yields even less).

After Teddy confesses to his daughter that her Edgehill “deal” was really just a blackmail move by Jeff Fordham, he then has to explain why: AKA his tryst with the pay-for-play escort known as Ol’ Leopard Panties. So now Mads has even more in her Teen Girl arsenal, and she levels it at her mom as she demands to know why the truth was kept from her. Rayna’s explanation — that she was just protecting her from heartache — doesn’t fly… though things seem to be looking up when Maddie arrives at the Ryman just in time to sing with Daphne at a charity show.

“I’m so glad you’re home,” Rayna gushes. “I’m not,” Maddie grits, thinking no doubt of Cash’s undoubtedly embellished recount of the fake meeting earlier that day. So with a sobbing Daphne clinging to Deacon, and Rayna barely holding it together onstage, Maddie stomps out with Cash in tow. See you in court, kid!

VERY BAD THINGS | Juliette takes the stage for the first time since joining Luke’s tour, and she is effervescent up there in her beaded deep-V gown. She works the stage. She nails the performance of “One Place Too Long.” And as everyone grooves backstage, Layla fumes. When Layla returns to her tour bus, Avery’s there, working on a song. As they listen to it on a shared set of headphones, their faces are thisclose… and that’s when Layla goes in for a kiss. Avery kisses her back. Then Cadence wakes up, crying, because THIS IS A TRAVESTY. He uses that as an out and hustles the baby back to the hotel.

The next morning, Avery is all, “It’s not you, it’s me,” which Layla doesn’t want to hear. And when Juliette is frustrated that her ex doesn’t want to join her on stage for a song, she takes Glenn’s advice and just tells Avery the truth: She wants them to try being a couple again, because she’s better now. Avery’s not having it. “What you do to me is what you did, and you’re gonna do it again!” he cries, but Ju stays the course, telling him to take his time and find her when he makes his decision.

But when Avery makes a decision, it’s a really bad one that doesn’t involve Cadence’s mama at all: He knocks on Layla’s door and kisses her, all in this time. In my notes, I write, “Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.”

THE NO-LONGER-EXES? | Scarlett passive-aggressives Gunnar until they get stuck in an elevator during a blackout. Rather than unravel all the knitwear Scar is wearing, fashion a rope and rappel to safety, they talk until she admits that she’s mad he slept with Autumn. He sets her straight, they share a bottle of old Scotch and then perform “If I Didn’t Know Better.” Major props to Sam Palladio for that slick, well-executed, almost-but-not-quite-a-go-in-for-the-kiss guitar reach.

When they finally part ways at Scarlett’s room, it takes her one nanosecond of heavy breathing before she’s in his arms and he’s pulling at her clothes. I’ve never booked passage on this ‘ship, but even I have to admit: This scene is hot.

PLAY THE GAY! | When Will’s radio showcase is poorly attended, Luke uses an appearance on Good Morning America to promote his new artist and to shame radio programmers who won’t play a gay singer’s tunes. Ken, Luke’s manager, thinks the whole thing is a bad idea. (Side note: Did anyone else suspect that maybe Ken, who gives off an anti-LGBT vibe, had sabotaged the showcase in the first place?)

Could ‘Nashville’ fall victim to anti-LGBT laws?

Connie Britton, who stars as singer Rayna James on the series, spoke out about the state’s pending anti-LGBT laws to The Hollywood Reporter, saying “In general, the language in that bill is some of the most discriminatory that we’ve seen, certainly in my lifetime, and to take on that kind of stigma in our state as a legislator, that would not be a very great way to represent the people.”

But the actress, who relocated to the capital of country music to film the series, is holding out hope. “Nashville is strong enough and progressive enough that it could support a change in that point of view” against equality for the gay, lesbian, transgender, and bi-sexual community.

Currently Tennessee governor Bill Hallam is reviewing House Bill 1840 in which therapists and counselors can deny treatment to certain patients if they feel the patient’s issues go against their personally held beliefs. Also up for debate is House Bill 2414, the bill which has caused both Bruce Springsteen and Pearl Jam to cancel their tour stops in North Carolina after it was passed, a legislation that would ban transgenders from using school bathrooms.

“I shoot a TV show in Tennessee, and honestly, if they proceed with this, I’m not necessarily going to feel comfortable working there,” says Britton. “That is a tricky situation because of course we employ a lot of people in the state, and you certainly don’t want to have to interrupt that, but at the same time, this is the only way that we can have our voices be heard.”

If a show which the state’s Economic and Community Development’s director Randy Boyd describes as “great advertising” and spends around $20 million a year employing locals with jobs were to threaten to pull the plug on a potential fifth season, could that sway the state against passing the bills?

“Nashville” star Chris Carmack, who plays gay singer Will Lexington on the series, says the real people of Nashville have only embraced his character since coming out. Passing anti-LGBT laws would be both “devastating” and “incredibly harmful,” he says, as “the state is basically setting an example for people that it’s ok to discriminate.”

Carmack thinks aloud, “‘Do we want to live in a place like this?’ I know right now everyone is calling on big corporations to step in and voice their opinions, because money matters in something like a political forum, but I guarantee you that there are many more individuals like myself and my fiancee who are potential long-term transplants from all over, who are saying, ‘Is this a place I would want to call home? A place that would write this sort of thing into legislation?”

Nashville's Jonathan Jackson on Avery Reuniting With Juliette (He 'Deeply Loves Her'), Finding 'Solace' in Layla

And unfortunately for the band leader/new father, this Wednesday’s episode (ABC, 10/9c) finds him flanked by the two women as Luke’s tour gets underway.

In the hour, Juliette’s success on stage boosts her confidence and prods her to try to re-start her relationship with Cadence’s dad. But Jackson says a fix to the former couple’s problems isn’t as easy as saying “I’m sorry” and hugging it out.

“He’s trying to protect himself and have boundaries, but also not be a jerk,” the actor tells TVLine. “It’s not always an easy balance when he’s been hurt.”

Read on for Jackson’s thoughts on the chances of an Avery/Juliette reunion, the “solace” his character finds in Layla and the training that helps him churn up believable tears at a moment’s notice.

TVLINE | Since Juliette has been back from rehab, it feels like Avery repeatedly gravitates toward his ex, then stops himself. Is that the trajectory for the rest of the season for them? Is there the possibility of a reunion?

Well, I’m sure [the show’s producers] wouldn’t want me to speak on the rest of the season, but that’s certainly the current dynamic with them. I don’t think he’s ever loved anyone as much as he loved her, so even though they’re not together at the moment, Avery deeply loves her. It’s just one of those things that no matter what happens, when they’re in the room together, they both feel that connection and it’s a really painful thing, but there are a lot of deep trust issues there. So he’s trying to get his life back together and move on, and yet he’s still constantly feeling that tension and that pull towards her.

TVLINE | There have been so many episodes this season where Avery is a raw bundle of emotion; our readers like to point out that you had all that on-screen crying practice as General Hospital‘s Lucky. Is it easy for you to access that?

Oh, it’s incredible training. I was 11 years old when I started, and I was very blessed to work with Anthony Geary and Genie Francis, because they’re incredible artists. They really laid the foundation for me with all that stuff, which I still carry with me. Plus, you’re doing so many episodes in a year on a soap opera that you really do just get to experiment with a lot of different things in terms of acting preparation and approach. Some things you find work really well and others don’t. And it only airs once, so it’s not a good feeling if it didn’t go well. It’s amazing training, but [acting is] always a challenge no matter what you’ve experienced. It’s always a new situation… There’s always a sense of walking a tightrope, and I don’t ever really take it for granted, so I always try to put my heart and soul into it.

TVLINE | Let’s talk about Layla: How serious of a threat is she to Juliette, and by extension, Avery? Will we see her have any success in her plans?

[Laughs] You know I can’t answer those questions!

TVLINE | You can tell me whether or not she has any wins along the way.

It’s hard for me to know that exactly. She’s definitely been a complicated character, because she does have those nefarious motives here and there. At the same time, there’s been a lot that they’ve done to humanize her and show a sincere person who is suffering a lot with her broken marriage and then the death of Jeff Fordham and everything.

Right now, Avery and her are just connecting. They’re finding some kind of solace in friendship with both, in essence, losing the person that they love either through divorce or death. That’s where she’s coming from. There are some vengeful motives in her, but I think there’s also something genuine that that she is appreciating who Avery is. Having those complexities is always fun to play around with as actors.

A Dance to Remember! Nashville's Lennon Stella Goes to Prom with the Son of Her TV Dad Charles Esten

Chase Puskar, the 17-year-old son of Nashville star Charles Esten, was no doubt the envy of his senior class when he showed up to prom Saturday with actress Lennon Stella.

Stella, who plays the head-strong daughter of Deacon (Esten) and Rayna (Connie Britton) on the ABC drama, sported rouge lips and a stunning red dress to accompany Puskar to the Brentwood High School dance in Nashville. She's a homeschooled junior who once attended Brentwood, where Puskar goes to now.

She posted several pictures on Instagram, including one involving the requisite pinning-of-the-boutonniere and some from prom, which was themed "Rhythm of the Night." Sadly, Esten didn’t perform (he's on tour!).

On Nashville, Stella's alter-ego Maddie has been giving Deacon a lot of trouble these days – she wants to emancipate! Off-screen, she's the perfect, stress-free prom date for Esten's son. But there's no romance blooming here – she and Puskar and just buds!

‘Nashville’: New Showrunners Set Up Writers Room For Season 5

Herskovitz and Zwick, who are under a deal at Lionsgate TV, are taking the helm of the soapy series from current showrunner Dee Johnson, who had been with the show since the first season, working alongside creator Callie Khouri. Nashville has been an important series for Lionsgate TV, the sole broadcast show for the cable and streaming-centric indie studio. The renewal of the modestly rated drama had gone down to the wire the last couple of seasons, mostly coming down to ABC and Lionsgate haggling over the big price tag of the show starring Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere.

Creatively, Nashville faced a major challenge this season as it had to accommodate the extensive medical leave of one of its stars, Panettiere. Ratings-wise, its very low Live+same day performance has been somewhat offset by solid DVR gains, and the music and touring business it has spawned, becoming a franchise for the network and producing studios.

Humans Season 2: Carrie-Anne Moss and Sam Palladio Joining Cast

Jessica Jones‘ Carrie-Anne Moss and Nashville‘s Sam Palladio have joined the acclaimed AMC series in series-regular roles, TVLine has learned exclusively.

Moss will play Dr. Athena Morrow, a pre-eminent Artificial Intelligence expert who is driven by her own motives to create a new kind of machine consciousness. Palladio, meanwhile, portrays Ed, a struggling café owner trying to breathe life into his family business.

Production on Humans‘ 8-episode second season is currently underway and will continue through summer, and is not expected to interfere with Moss and Palladio’s respective first-position jobs on Jessica Jones and Nashville (both of which are currently on hiatus).

Prison Break‘s Marshall Allman is also set to appear in Season 2 as Milo Khoury, a young Silicon Valley billionaire, founder and CEO of a leading technology company.

Here’s the official Season 2 logline:

The second season picks up several months after the events of season one, with Niska still at large and in possession of the consciousness code. Her synth family, Mia, Leo and Max, unaware of her location, are each trying to find their place in the world while Joe and Laura attempt to mend their marriage. As unconfirmed reports of synths behaving inexplicably surface, the ripple effects of one simple yet seismic decision sees the past return dramatically and surprisingly to the door of the Hawkins house. Joe, Laura and the entire family are faced with a difficult choice that will put the family under an intense spotlight. As an emerging form of intelligent life – the synths – and an established one – humanity – fight for their places in the world, a thrilling multi-stranded narrative evolves which continues to ask: who has the right to determine what it means to be alive?

Humans is slated to return in 2017.

Ratings: Survivor Hits 3-Week High

Leading out of that, Criminal Minds (9 mil/1.7) was steady, while Beyond Borders (7.5 mil/1.3) slipped two tenths.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

ABC | Leading out of a rerun-palooza, bubble drama Nashville (3.7 mil/0.8) ticked down to hit and tie series lows.

NBC | Heartbeat (4 mil/0.8) inched up.

FOX | Rosewood (4.6 mil/1.2) was steady, while Empire (9.4 mil/3.6) dipped 7 percent and two tenths to its lowest numbers since Thanksgiving Eve.

Nashville Recap: Emancipated Whiner

Because Maddie’s decision to run away from home in Wednesday’s episode not only puts the hour’s focus on the truculent teen, it gives us plenty of Jaymes/Claybourne family turmoil that yes, gives us Rayna and Deacon in the same space, but also leaves the newlyweds snapping at each other in their worry over their missing daughter.

(Does anyone have Colt’s grandpa’s phone number? He’s got a track record of helping overindulged kids mature into young adults, and something makes me think a summer of mucking stalls, driving tractors and filling feed bins would do Maddie’s bratty soul a world of good.)

Elsewhere in the episode, the bane of Juliette’s existence turns into a great opportunity, Riff pulls a Lamar Odom and Will’s gaydar is seriously askew. Read on for the highlights of “Didn’t Expect It to Go Down This Way.”

CASH BLOCKED | Rayna returns from Dallas, has a debrief about Deacon’s night hauling their daughter out of the bar, then goes to Maddie’s room… to find her gone. Yep, Mads is AWOL, leaving Daphne feeling guilty about ratting her sister out and Deacon regretting the blind fury he injected into the whole affair. Young Miss Claybourne is hanging out at Cash’s house, but when Rayna storms in and scours the place for her kid, Cash snottily denies having seen her.

Back at home, the Maddie -apologizing this show is so good at continues when Rayna suggests that the teen is staying away because “We know Maddie’s got issues with your anger, and maybe she got freaked out.” Oh for the love of Conway Twitty, Ray, get a grip! Your kid is a spoiled brat, and that’s on you, too. Mr. and Mrs. Claybourne are very short with each other, but they manage to get their argument under control before saying something they’ll regret. (I’m going to ignore Rayna’s “Good Lord, Deacon, why’d you have to blow up on her like that last night?!” moment from later in the episode, because girlfriend is stressed.)

LET HER GO! | At Cash’s, Maddie laments that Rayna nixed her Sony record deal a while back. But Cash has contacts at the label; with a few calls, the offer is back on the table. She also informs Maddie that Edgehill wanted her as artist, too, which is news to the kid. And after Rayna swings by Juliette’s on the off chance her daughter is holed up with her idol — and has a very touching mama heart-to-heart with Ju (more Connie Britton/Hayden Panettiere scenes, please and thank you) — Deacon calls to say that Maddie is definitely at Cash’s.

Rayna hustles over there, only to have her older daughter defiantly announce that she’s not coming home, and she’s talked to a lawyer. “I’m emancipating from you,” she says, closing the door in her parents’ faces. As Rayna sobs on the front steps for the second time in the episode, Deacon can’t do anything except wrap his arms around her.

WHEELS (ALMOST) UP! | A close moment with Juliette during the Cadence hand-off freaks Avery out, so he makes the quick decision to join Layla on Luke’s tour as her band leader, and to take the baby with him. (Side note: Any of you music-industry types out there, please fill me in as to whether it is or isn’t weird to have a band leader sign on the day the tour begins?)

Juliette is irked by many things. 1) Her career needs a boost in the form of a new album, and Avery’s absence means he probably won’t produce a few tracks like she wants. 2) Avery’s closeness with Layla during a rehearsal for the tour’s opening night makes them seem quite cozy — cozier than they really are, but Ju doesn’t know that. And 3) Luke seems to be blowing her off (though he’s really not, but we’ll get to that in a wheelin’ dealin’ minute).

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN | Riff turns up in a New Orleans hospital, having suffered a stroke after consuming large amounts of booze, drugs and penis pills. Oh, and he was with a prostitute when it happened. The fame lifestyle is like a drug, his wife explains to Luke in the hospital waiting room, and he hadn’t been home since his performance at The Beverly a week before.

Thomas Rhett fills in for Riff on opening night; we see him perform “Die a Happy Man” for the crowd, who loves him. But he’s a temporary patch on the tour’s gaping wound… until Juliette waltzes into Luke’s dressing room right before he goes onstage.

Can we talk for a minute about Luke’s dressing room décor? Judging by the lifesize deer statues and those lamps on the bar, I’m inclined to think that Wheeler’s tour rider reads like the lyrics of Beauty and the Beast: “Venue agrees to provide one (1) case of bottled water, no fewer than four (4) bottles of top-shelf liquor, at least three (3) unopened bags of ice; Venue also agrees to use antlers in all of its decorrrrrrrrrating!” Anyway, Juliette wants to join the tour to fill the spot Riff vacated (which she vacated first), and Luke is on board. He announces the news during his set that night. “Now I get to spend plenty of time with Cadence!” Juliette chirps to Avery and Layla as she takes the stage; their stunned faces say everything.

MISTAKEN SEXUAL IDENTITY | Will hems and haws all episode about whether or not to ask one of his backup singers, a bespectacled possibly gay guy named Brian, out for a beer. Then he does. And Brian says yes. But Brian turns out not to be gay. Metrosexuals, man.

WHAT IS AUTUMN’S ENDGAME? | Autumn has clearly chosen the divide-and-conquer route when it comes to The Exes. The day their single, “The Rubble,” drops — and does really well — she pretends to be all girlfriendly to Scarlett, but warns Gunnar that in duos, “One always outshines the other.” And Scar gets the really wrong idea when she happens to witness Gunnar leaving the star’s hotel room and wiping her lipstick off his face.

Ratings: Nashville Ticks Up to Best Demo Number Since November

Opening ABC’s night, The Middle (6.8 mil/1.7), The Goldbergs (6.2 mil/1.8) and black-ish (5.7 mil/1.6) were all steady, while Modern Family (7.4 mil/2.2) ticked down to series lows.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

FOX | Recently renewed Rosewood (4.4 mil/1.2) was down 15 and 14 percent. Empire (10.1 mil/3.8) slipped 11 and 12 percent to its second-lowest numbers of the season (trailing only its Thanksgiving Eve outing), yet easily dominated the night.

CBS | Survivor (8.5 mil/1.9) was steady, Criminal Minds (8.9 mil/1.7) dipped a tenth and Beyond Borders (8 mil/1.5) grew 14 and 25 percent to best-since-premiere numbers.

NBC | A special Voice outing did 8.8 mil and a 1.7, more than doubling Heartbeat‘s most recent performance. Leading out of that, Strong debuted to 3.4 mil/1.0, well below typical SVU/P.D. numbers.

Nashville Recap: Shady Ladies

Though it seems like ages since the singer-songwriter graced our screens, it was barely a season ago she and Rayna were riding around Nashville, belting “Gasoline and Matches” and eluding the paparazzi like Bennifer —Lopez, not Garner — in their prime. Sure, Sadie had a teeny secret (with big, stupid fists) and wound up (accidentally!) killing that secret in a parking garage, but otherwise, she seemed like good people.

I bring her up in light of this week’s episode, which finds two relatively new Music City females going absolutely Chiquita-bananas loco. Add to that Layla’s prolonged, amorphous and rather wackadoodle revenge plan — best I can tell, her endgame involves mooning over Avery until he succumbs out of sheer boredom — and can you blame me for reminiscing about Sadie’s sweet, simple sanity?

On the upside, Maddie gets yelled at during the hour, and that’s always a good time. And Kevin’s back! (For a hot minute.) Read on for the highlights of “When There’s Fire.”

GUNNAR GETS CHASED | Let’s start with The Exes, who arrive in Dallas all psyched about opening for Autumn Chase. That is, Scarlett and Gunnar are jazzed until they witness the country superstar hug them hello in one breath and then publicly shame one of her guitar techs by firing him in the next. Ah, I see: Autumn is terrible-crazy, not fun-crazy. Got it.

Working off their manager’s advice to just go along with whatever Autumn says, Gunny and Scarlett smile and nod through a dinner where she pries into their past, eventually getting Gunnar to admit that he proposed to Scarlett and she turned him down. It’s awkward, but Little Miss No Filter doesn’t seem to notice or care, and she goes on to spread the story among the crew after the Dallas show.

Finally, Scarlett’s had enough, and she gently yet firmly asks Autumn to quit it. The older woman flibbertigibbets all over herself apologizing, and then Scarlett starts apologizing in that way that most women (including myself) do which is SO INFURIATING. And even though Autumn acts like everything is totally cool — going as far as thanking Scarlett for speaking her mind — the way she flirts all up on Gunnar later is problematic, methinks.

FOR BETTER OR WORSE | Juliette is getting sued by the Stephen Spielberg movie that employed her for five minutes, but she doesn’t care, because she’s happy with where things stand with Cadence. However, she does miss performing and recording, but she needs a manager to help restart her get her music career. She gets all dressed up and visits Glenn, but he disregards all of the adult-ing she’s clearly doing — just look at that updo-turtleneck combination! — and kindly informs her that he can’t work for her anymore.

After lamenting her situation to Avery (who is in NO way talking about his own situation when he says that Glenn “doesn’t hate you, Juliette. I think you hurt him, and he’s protecting himself”), she enlists Mr. Barkley and the Grand Ole Opry in a ruse that involves her performing a song dedicated to Glenn on the Opry stage that evening.

The tune, “Hole in the World,” is a sad one that at first angers, then moves The Toupeed One to find space in his heart for one more try with his troubled surrogate daughter. “If you can’t be my manager, just please tell me that you’ll be in my life,” she says tearfully. “Maybe I’ll do both,” he replies, just as wetly. No, YOU’RE crying!

RAY ON THE ROAD | When no touring act will add Layla as an opener, Rayna comes up with what she thinks is a great idea: She’ll do a 10-date tour, which will give the struggling Highway 65 artist a platform from which to promote her first album. And after doing a one-off duet with Autumn at the Dallas show, Rayna is literally ready to rock-n-roll and get back out on stage. She even gets Deacon to agree — rather, she informs him that he’s coming along on tour with her — but it appears that Layla has made other plans. (Don’t worry, Rayna still wants to hit the road.)

Back in Nashville, Layla combs her bangs and goes to Luke’s office, where she sobs/blackmails him into taking her on as his opening act. But what about Riff? Oh hey, don’t sweat it —he acted erractically, packed a bag and took off, and his panicked wife doesn’t know where he is.

CASHED OUT | Cash implies that Maddie should sneak out and play a gig to feel less “trapped,” then puts up only the smallest resistance when the teen (understandably) thinks that’s an awesome idea. So Mads lies to Deacon that she’s going to a “coffeehouse,” then puts on a little black dress and takes the stage at a bar Cash sneaks her into. The song she performs makes her sound like a little girl teetering around in her mother’s heels (sample lyrics: “I’m a bad girl, I’m a real bad girl”), and when Daphne narcs, Deacon shows up at the bar like DEKE SMASH!

Before you can say “grounded for life,” Deacon has his defiant daughter by the arm and is hustling her out to the car. Cash follows and screams at Deacon. “You don’t even know her!” the blonde shrieks, prompting Deke to warn her, “You need to stay the hell away from my daughter, or you will regret it.” The look that then passes over Cash’s face bodes something — I’m not sure what it is, but I’m sure it’s not good.

THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY | Luke has Will spend a day writing with Kevin. Kevin has a boyfriend. Will is sad about it. They argue a little, then almost cry a little, then admit that they loved each other. Side note: I would’ve watched these two snipe at each other, field calls involving the word “pinot” and write on yellow legal pads for the entire 45 minutes of tonight’s show. THAT IS HOW MUCH I MISS KEVIN WITH WILL.

Kesha to Guest Star on Nashville: See a First Look

The singer – who's currently embroiled in a lawsuit with Sony and producer Dr. Luke – will guest star as herself on ABC's hit show, and PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at the star on set.

In the May 11 episode, Juliette (played by Hayden Panettiere) reunites with her Shenandoah Girl costar Noah West (played by Derek Hough) on the Oscar campaign trail and meets Kesha.

The singer – who has had small roles recently in Jane the Virgin and Jem and the Holograms – told Entertainment Weekly last year she was having fun exploring "different art mediums."

"Right now my [music] career is kind of on hold," she said. "I'm finding other ways to express myself and have outlets and connect with my fans."

Kesha's episode of Nashville airs May 11 at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Ratings: American Idol's Final Performance Finale Hits 3-Year Highs

Empire (11.3 mil/4.2) slipped 10 and 12 percent to its lowest numbers since its Thanksgiving Eve outing.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

ABC | With their first originals against Empire Season 2B, Modern Family (7.4 mil/2.2) and black-ish (5.5 mil/1.6) slipped two and three tenths in the demo, respectively, hitting and tying series lows. The Middle (6.9 mil/1.7) was steady, The Goldbergs (6.1 mil/1.8) ticked down to season lows and bubble drama Nashville (4.2 mil/1.0) rose 11 percent and a tenth with a fresh lead-in.

THE CW | Arrow (2.24 mil/0.8) dipped a tenth, while Supernatural (1.76 mil/0.7) rose a tenth.

CBS | Survivor (9 mil/1.9) ticked down. Beyond Borders‘ special 9 o’clock airing did 7.3 mil/1.2 (compared to Criminal Minds‘ week-ago 9.2 mil/1.8), while its second episode (6.9 mil/1.2) dipped just a bit from Week 3.

NBC | Heartbeat (4 mil/0.7) dropped another 15 percent plus two tenths.

Nashville Recap: Homecoming Mean

The old Juliette might’ve reacted to this rebuff in a number of ways. She could’ve fired him… then fired whatever employee of hers pointed out that Avery wasn’t on her payroll. She could’ve run out and slept with the closest, least appropriate person in the immediate vicinity. (RIP, Jeff Fordham.) She could’ve at least broken a very expensive piece of glassware.

What’s so disheartening about JuJu’s reaction to her ex-husband/forever soulmate’s feigned ambivalence about their relationship — not to mention his outright disdain for her ability to be a dedicated mom — is that it’s all so quiet and adult and bloodless. Maybe I’m being a pessimist; perhaps the lack of raised voices and verbal kill shots means Cadence’s folks are moving toward a shared understanding. But I’d rather they moved toward a shared bed, which is a veiled way of saying PLEASE GIVE ME JAVERY BACK, Nashville. Amid Layla’s heartbreak and Deacon and Rayna sharing one (!) scene in this episode, I need a win!

Read on for the highlights of “What I Cannot Change.”

BABY STEPS | Let’s start with the most important aspect of the entire episode: the cuteness of the babies who play little Cadence. They are so deliciously adorable, they make me and my ovaries want to write checks that my one-bedroom New York apartment can’t cash. But can you blame me? Those little kiddos are acting, people. Just try not to melt when the baby actively hugs Juliette and smiles her goodbyes in that opening scene at the rehab center. Anyway, the doc that annoyed me in the last episode says it’s time for her to head home, and Juliette happily complies.

But back in Music City, Ms. Barnes returns to an empty house, tons of unopened mail and an offer of a cameo in a Steven Spielberg movie. She’s psyched about the opportunity… until she realizes that shooting it in Europe means she’ll miss out on two weeks of Cadence time. So she rules it out. But when Avery refuses her request for increased time with their daughter, Ju reconsiders and accepts the part.

And because Avery is so clearly still in love with the petite pile of problems, he allows her to come back and put Cadence to bed before she jets off the next day. Juliette softly sings the baby to sleep (again with the hugging!), while Daddy works on another chapter in his memoir, Crying in the Hallway: The Avery Barkley Story.

FILM VS. FAMILY | At the movie’s press conference in New York the next day — side note: Do movies hold press conferences before production has even begun? — a question from a reporter prompts Juliette to admit that she’s been in a bad way since Cadence was born. So she comes clean about rehab and her failed marriage, then abruptly backs out of the part, saying “I need to be with my daughter right now.” That’s sweet and all, Ju, but you do understand what a contract is, right? We’re talking about Spielberg here, which leads me to believe you’re about to have close encounters of the legal kind.

Back at home later, Juliette opens the door to see Avery there, saying she can have more time with Cadence. She tells him she didn’t give up the role to change his mind, and he responds that he didn’t change his mind because she gave up the role. They smile a little, and that’s something, right?

LAYLA LAID LOW | This week, in the extended sad trombone sound that is Layla’s life, she plays an amazing showcase set at Highway 65 — her song, “The Book,” is really, really good — and impresses country star Autumn Chase so much that the two make plans to talk business at the Exes show at The Bluebird later that night. But when they get there, Autumn is so blown away by Scarlett and Gunnar, she hires them as her opening act. Wah-wahhh. And then when Layla calls Avery, crying, he’s too busy mending fences with Juliette to pick up, so Layla ugly-cries on her bed, alone. Wah-wahhhh-wahhhhhhhh.

HEALIN’ DEALIN’ RECORDS | Will is planning to release his own, independent album, but he needs Luke to release the hold he has on the tunes Will wrote with Kevin. Or, you could just call Kevin, tell him you love him, make up and write more, Will. Just a thought.

But Luke is preoccupied by Colt’s insistence that his dad sign the parental consent forms so he can join the Army. Luke initially is dead-set against it, but a talking-to from the boy’s grandfather helps change his mind, and Luke acquiesces so his Maddie-deflowering son can enlist. And when Will demands that Luke give him back his songs, Luke instead offers Will his old Wheelin’ Dealin’ contract back. I give Luke a ton of grief in these recaps, but it’s a nice moment when he apologizes for yanking Will off the label months back. “I’ve come to realize just ’cause something’s hard or scary doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it, especially if it’s something you believe in,” Luke says, moving Will to tears as they shake on it, “and I believe in you.”

MEANWHILE, AT RAYNA’S… | I am sad to report that Rayna and Deacon’s only time together in the entire episode takes place at the very end, as they recap their recent woes to each other while cuddling on the couch. His update: The day after celebrating his 15 years of sobriety, Frank took The Beverly’s stage drunk, had to be hauled off by Deacon, and said some mean things to his business partner before sleeping it off. The next morning, he apologized, but Deacon noted the truth of the angry words and admits he “got caught up” in making the venue a hit and “steamrolled” his AA sponsor in the process. For the love of Connie Britton’s storied cinnabar tresses, Deke, please see this interlude for the cautionary tale it is and GET OUT OF THE BAR BUSINESS.

Her update: She’s frustrated that the cops can’t find Vita, and sad when a local detective informs her that girls like the missing homeless singer/songwriter often “just disappear.” (Side note: I also love how the detective is the one person in all of Nashville who isn’t wowed by Rayna’s name or presence. Stay hard-boiled, my friend.)

Meet Alicia Witt's New Nashville Superstar, Autumn Chase

"I like her a whole lot. She could not possibly be any more different from [TWD character] Paula, which is neat," Witt tells us. "She's a pop-country star. She's not full-on country, but she's been around for 20 years. Sort of in the same wheelhouse as Sheryl Crow, maybe Bonnie Raitt. She's funky. She's not one of those rhinestones and big flashy dresses kind of a gal. She's wearing her ripped jeans and cool t-shirts."

While Paula was an uber villain, Autumn is a fun-loving musician. "She's got a really mischievous, flirty attitude that I'm digging getting to play. She's definitely making some trouble," Witt dishes.

Witt will be working with some of the younger singers on Nashville, but her first song on the show is a duet with Connie Britton. "Her character joins me on the tour and we're at the arena. She comes out on stage and she joins me for this really kickass song that was written by Kacey Musgraves and Miranda Lambert and Natalie Hemby, so they're no slouches," she says. "So, that's pretty cool."

In real life, Witt is an accomplished singer who has released several albums of her own. "It's been very magical to be playing this character who does what I do, but on a much larger scale, obviously," she says. "I've been coming to Nashville now for so many years. My last record was recorded at RCA Studio A, and it was produced by Ben Folds. I've been spending quite a lot of time here the last four years or so anyway, so the fact that I get to work here and pretend I'm a local for these few months, at least, if not into next year—we don't really know yet—it's just so great."

Not to mention the whole singing aspect. "It's really cool to get to go into the studio and record and not be an actor who can sing, but isn't really used to it. I'm so comfortable in the studio, this is where I'm most happy. It's beyond a joy. It's completely thrilling. It's really a dream job."

Nashville airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Connie Britton Loves Traveling with Her 5-Year-Old Son: He’s My ‘Best Companion’

Britton told PEOPLE at The People vs. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story – For Your Consideration event at the Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles on Monday that she loves bringing son Yoby, 5, along when she travels.

“I drag him everywhere! I mean, he’s always on a plane and he is just the best companion,” she says, adding, “My son is like the greatest person on this planet!”

Britton, who adopted Yoby (a nickname for Eyob) from Ethiopia in 2011, says she “got so lucky” with the little boy’s amenable personality.

“He’s the most gung ho kid and he’s up for anything,” the 49-year-old shares. She explains that no matter what pops up on their always-packed itinerary, Yoby is onboard.

When the dynamic duo isn’t traveling, they’re playing with Yoby’s favorite superheroes or building toy towers together.

“Mommyhood is fantastic,” Britton says. “We have the best time together.”

Britton — who portrays Faye Resnick on the addictive FX series – also talked about the challenges of playing a well-known person during Tuesday’s panel discussion.

“I like to keep myself as uninformed as possible,” Britton shared, admitting that prior to accepting the role she “didn’t even know who Faye was.”

Hayden Panettiere's Parents' Nasty Divorce Over ... Dad Still Owes Hayden

According to the divorce docs ... Alan will pay $5,000 a month in spousal support to Hayden's mother, Lesley, for the next 5 years or until she remarries.

Alan also agreed to shoulder all of the money owed to their daughter. As we reported ... Hayden helped out mom and dad last year by letting Lesley live in her condo, and loaning Alan $100k.

Based on the docs, Lesley wanted to make sure that dough wasn't coming out of her pocket. The divorce settlement brings the nearly 8 year divorce battle to a close.

Elton John to Appear on Nashville

The über-popular British singer/songwriter will appear in the May 18 episode, per The Hollywood Reporter. John, who will play himself, will perform in a scene with Sam Palladio’s Gunnar.

John is just the latest big-name act to show up in the ABC drama’s fictional Music City: Kesha, Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett are set to guest-star later this season, and the roster of acts who’ve appeared on the ABC drama since its start include Kelly Clarkson, Brad Paisley, Florida Georgia Line and Sara Evans.

Wonderful Crazy Night, John’s latest album, was produced by former Nashville executive music producer T-Bone Burnett (who is husband of Nashville creator Callie Khouri).

Ratings: Empire Returns Up After 4-Month Break, Hits 6-Episode High

Opening Fox’s night, bubble drama Rosewood (6 mil/1.4) surged to its best demo number since… the last time it led into Empire.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

CBS | Survivor (9.4 mil/2.1) was steady. Criminal Minds (9.3 mil/1.8) slipped 15 and 18 percent with Empire back in the mix, but was up from its last time (8.8 mil/1.6) facing off against the Fox sudser. Beyond Borders (7.3 mil/1.4) dipped a tenth.

THE CW | Arrow (2.4 mil/0.9) rose 14 and 29 percent from last week’s series lows; Supernatural (1.6 mil/0.6) was steady.

NBC | Heartbeat (4.8 mil/0.9) excised a few eyeballs but held steady in the demo. Opposite Empire, SVU (6 mil/1.4) ticked down to its smallest audience in a year and its lowest rating since Nov. 18. Chicago PD (6.7 mil/1.5) was up a tenth.

ABC | Leading out of sitcom reruns, bubble drama Nashville (3.9 mil/0.9) ticked down to its smallest audience ever while steady in the demo.

Nashville Recap: In Vita Veritas

When Vita, a down-on-her-luck car-dweller with a celestial voice showed up in last week’s Nashville, she seemed like Highway 65’s next big thing: a rough piece of rock just needing the some time at Rayna Jaymes’ Home for Emotionally Needy Female Artists to polish her into the label’s next gem. But in this week’s installment, she’s revealed as a thief (!), a liar (!!) and someone whose enemies think arson is the best way to send a miffed message.

Meanwhile, Riff is so rusty after decades out of the spotlight, he lashes out at Luke rather than admit that his skillz may no longer pay the billz; Maddie’s infatuation with Cash is getting a little weird; Avery goes on a date; and Deacon literally drives his business partner to drink. Read on for the highlights of “If I Could Do It All Again.”

METHINKS HE DOTH PROTEST TOO MUCH | Riff joining Luke’s tour has the intended effect: All of the tickets sell out, and Mr. Global Brand himself can’t wait to go wheels-up. Two problems quickly arise, though. 1) Riff is really out of practice at performing. 2) Riff is a really big jerk about it, blaming Luke’s band for his shortcomings and getting personal when his old friend tries to address the situation. He sniffs that he’s not going to practice with the guys for an upcoming show at The Beverly because he’s expected at his kid’s soccer game and “Unlike your kids, mine like having me around.” Wheelin’-dealin’ burn!

When Riff’s ego calms down, he admits to Luke that he still wants to go on the road, but he needs a lot of help getting back to the level of performance he was at when he retired. I hope Luke is paying his musicians top dollar, because they spiff Riff up until he’s in top form for his first comeback appearance at The Beverly. (Side note: When two reporters in the audience nod approvingly at each other as they scribble in their notebooks, so you know you’ve made it!)

Deacon also gets up on stage and loves his role as emcee during Riff’s Beverly show, and when people talk about him as though he’s the sole owner of the venue, he doesn’t do a lot to correct them — which will be a problem later. But first, let’s talk about Vita.

THE DEAL WITH THE STEAL | Rayna knows an easy way to determine whether the singer-songwriter took $500 from The Beverly’s till: She asks her, point-blank. And Vita looks Big Red straight in the eye and says no. Then she performs a tune she wrote, blowing Rayna and Bucky away with her soulfulness and the way she seems so much older than her years. Later, Vita tells Rayna that she and her sister were in the foster-care system for a really long time, and music was the only thing that saved her. The way Rayna’s eyes are saying, “Same girl, same” is a little ridiculous — yeah, you had a strict jerk for a dad, Ray; but this girl has basically had to fen for herself since she was Daphne’s age — but given what happens later, I’ll allow it.

Vita shows up for her shift at The Beverly, where Deacon greets her warmly and Frank gives her the stinkeye. It eventually gets to the point where Vita and Deke’s sponsor are yelling at each other about the missing $500, and she finally admits that she nipped it but was planning to pay it back. Upon learning the truth, Rayna visits Vita’s studio apartment on wheels for an explanation. Vita tells her she needed the cash to pay off some guys whom her sister owed or something, but it’s too late: Rayna sadly informs her that the Highway 65 contract isn’t going to happen. And later, when Rayna swings by the parking lot again, Vita is gone, her guitar is smashed into molecules on the pavement, and her car is torched.

Oh, and Frank lemonpusses his way all over The Beverly during Riff’s show — and especially when it seems like everyone thinks Deacon is God’s gift to bar-and-grill ownership — until his emotions get the better of him and he runs to the storeroom and has a drink.

TEENAGE DREAM | Elsewhere, Frank’s daughter Cash — who until recently seemed like a good-if-momentarily delusional (remember that comment about maturity?) influence on Maddie — suddenly seems way more into her friendship with a teenage girl than a well-adjusted young woman should be. One night at The Bluebird, she performs a song she wrote with Rayna’s older daughter, and though it’s really good and very catchy, it’s just racy enough to make Cole clutch his teenage pearls. (Side note: Though that phrase sounds vaguely dirty, it’s not.) He confronts Maddie about it, which turns into them arguing over whether or not music is a worthwhile endeavor, and they break up. Maddie laments this turn of events in teary conversations with Cash, leaving Daphne to feel very left out of her sister’s life.

A note on this storyline: As someone who was once an annoying teenage girl, I fully understand how someone like Maddie would become infatuated with someone like Cash. She’s cool. She’s slightly older but not old. She’s pretty. She has a career that Maddie wants to pursue, and — most importantly — she makes Maddie feel like what she says and thinks matters. To cranky adolescent ladies, there is no greater currency. So that part of the storyline rings really true to me (holler if you hear me, fellow 30-somethings), but because this is Nashville, I keep thinking that something horrible/outlandish is going to happen. Like Cash is going to pull an Emily Valentine and torch the homecoming float or something. SEE WHAT YOU’VE DONE TO ME, CALLIE KHOURI?

AVERY ON THE MEND | Avery goes on a date with a single mom he meets at the playground. It makes him happier for a short while, but his inability to talk about anything other than Juliette makes her pump the brakes (kindly) on their hookup. Layla takes the news of Avery’s back-on-the-marketness badly, bitching at the staff during a photo shoot. Glenn sits her down, and I love the weariness in his voice as he uses all of the lessons learned while handling Juliette to calm this wannabe diva. “Let’s find out what you’re actually worried about, and we can nip this thing in the bud,” he tells her… and I also love the surprise on his face when she actually does what he says.

Being compared to Juliette — her sworn enemy — brings Ms. Grant up short, and she’s immediately contrite as she confesses that she’s kind of got feelings for Avery. Glenn advises her to recognize those feelings as griefy reboundish emotions and to ignore them. And while Glenn is awesome, I can’t help but feel as though Ju would’ve made far more low-level assistants cry before receiving his message. Layla, you can’t even bitch right.

MUSIC CITY GOINGS-ON | Gunnar and Scarlett decide to put both of their names on all of their songs, regardless of which of them actually wrote the song… Colt may enlist in the Army… Will is courted by a gay record label that wants him mainly because he’s hot and likes kissing boys. “Who I am is not a gay country singer,” he informs the label head. “I’m a country singer who happens to be gay.” Could’ve fooled me…

'Why Is This Happening to You, Mom?' Kimberly Williams-Paisley Writes Candid, Emotional Book About Her Mother's Struggle with Dementia

When the Father of the Bride actress excitedly told her mother, Linda Williams, that she was getting married, she was met, in part, with silence – not exactly the reaction Williams-Paisley expected, she tells PEOPLE.

"We are such a close family and I was the first kid to get engaged and I thought, 'That's what it is,' " says Williams-Paisley, 44.

After she and Paisley wed in 2003, her mother embraced her son-in-law wholeheartedly, but continued acting in ways her family had never seen before. She began mispronouncing words and showing frequent signs of confusion – like the time she asked if she could order nachos at Starbucks. Williams-Paisley says she, her father, Gurney, her sister, Something Borrowed actress Ashley Williams, and brother, Jay Williams, "knew that something was up."

In 2005, they learned that her mother, then 62, was suffering from a rare and incurable form of early-onset dementia called primary progressive aphasia, which left her moody, accident-prone and increasingly unable to recognize her own family.

In her poignant new book, Where the Light Gets In: Losing My Mother Only to Find Her Again, out April 5, Williams-Paisley details her family's difficult journey – including the mistakes they made along the way – as they bonded together, trying to help her mother as best they could.

During one touching visit at the long-term care facility where her mother, now 72, lives, the actress writes that she often asks, Why is this happening to you, Mom?

One of the highlights of the book is how Williams-Paisley learned to embrace the woman her mother has become. "It was really important to me to have the silver linings and the positives in it," she says.

The book also provides a list of resources, such as where to get information and help for caregivers, which Williams-Paisley hopes will help others who are dealing with dementia. "That motivates me more than anything," says Williams-Paisley, who is a spokeswoman for the Alzheimer's Association. (Alzheimer's is a form of dementia.)

Since her mother had asked her and her family to keep her dementia private for years, out of embarrassment, Williams-Paisley says, "Unfortunately, we missed out on a lot of resources we could have gotten. But we were doing the best we could. Helping other people just makes me feel really proactive."

For more information, visit WhereTheLightGetsInbook.com and alz.org.

Hayden Panettiere Has a Sexy New Role: Carl's Jr. Commercial Star

The 26-year-old Nashville actress stars in a new Carl's Jr. commercial to promote the fast food chain's Midnight Moonshine Burger. Wearing a cleavage-baring black button-down top tucked into matching shorts, Panettiere bites into the massive sandwich inside what appears to be a distillery as a fire rages in the background and Jessie James Decker is heard singing.

The actress joins a long list of stars who have appeared in sexy Carl's Jr. ads. The roster includes Kim Kardashian, Kate Upton, Audrina Patridge, Emily Ratajkowski, Heidi Klum and Padma Lakshmi.

Panettiere has appeared in commercials before. In 2013, she showcased her singing chops in a Cotton commercial. She is also a celebrity spokesmodel for Neutrogena and has appeared in several of the skincare and makeup company's ads.

The Midnight Moonshine Burger contains a charcoal-grilled, 100 percent black Angus beef patty topped with a moonshine glaze, pepper jack cheese, garlic and pepper fried onions and thick-cut, applewood-smoked bacon, according to CNBC. Parent company CKE Restaurants partnered with Hall of Fame NASCAR driver Junior Johnson on the sandwich. He is a partial owner of Piedmont Distillers, the dispenser of Junior's Midnight Moonshine.

The burger will be available for a limited time in more than 3,600 Carl's Jr. and Hardees restaurants.

"It knocked everybody's socks off when we tasted it," CKE Restaurants CEO Andy Puzder told CNBC.

Friday Night Lights' Connie Britton & Adrianne Palicki Have a Reunion

Connie Britton, 49, who played Tami Taylor on the hit show, recently hung out with Adrianne Palicki, 32, who portrayed Tyra Collette.

"Nothing better than reuniting with this one...in Austin, TX no less!" Britton wrote on her Instagram page Wednesday, alongside a photo of the two. "A friendship that stands the test of time and place. And congrats @adriannepalicki on finishing out a great #Marvel adventure...and all that lie ahead! #wcw."

Palicki began playing Bobbi Morse on Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in 2014 and her character was disavowed from S.H.I.E.L.D. in an episode that aired this week. The actress is set to reprise her role in a spinoff, Marvel's Most Wanted.

Britton is currently best known for her role as Rayna Jaymes on Nashville.

This marked the first time the two Friday Night Lights stars have been photographed together since the show ended its five-season run in 2011.

There have been other mini reunions for the former cast members since then. In 2013, Matt Lauria (Luke), Gaius Charles (Smash), Zach Gilford (Matt Saracen) and Kevin Rankin (Herc) hung out together. in 2015, Scott Porter (Jason) introduced his baby boy to Lauria and Charles.

In 2015, Britton presented the Feed The Peace Award to Kyle Chandler, 50, who played main cast member and her character's husband, Eric Taylor, at the Nobelity Project's Feed the Peace Awards in Austin.

Friday Night Lights the series was inspired by a 2004 movie starring different actors, including Billy Bob Thornton.

Britton was asked by Vulture in 2015 if she would be on board for another movie or a sequel series. None have been planned.

"I would, I just would," she said. "Listen, I love that world. I love those characters. I love those actors."

How Hayden Panettiere Got Her Pre-Baby Body Back!

“The more that you give yourself grace, the better that you feel,” the actress, 26, told PEOPLE on the set of her upcoming Carl’s Jr. commercial.

“You go through the, ‘I’m not going to eat,’ ‘I’m not going to eat this,’ ‘I’m not going to eat that,’ ” she continues. “Part of [losing the weight] is mind, body and spirit. Spirit’s a huge part of it, so being happy and being content [helps].”

Going back to work on her hit show Nashville also helped her drop the baby weight.

“I’m standing on my feet on the show for sometimes hours in a day,” she explains.

For added exercise, Panettiere likes to get on the treadmill and zone out.

“I put on some guilty pleasure TV and just jog,” she says.

And her 15-month-old daughter Kaya sometimes gets involved in her workouts too.

“Working out with your baby is actually great,” says Panettiere. “When I’m holding her in my arms, I lift her above my head, or do bicep curls with her, or I’ll dance with her a lot. She’s the best weight I can find!”

Ratings: Criminal Minds Hits 11-Month High, Best Audience Since Nov. 2014

Bookending that, Survivor (9.2 mil/2.0) and Beyond Borders (7.6 mil/1.5) each shed a few eyeballs plus a tenth in the demo.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

THE CW | Arrow returned to 2.1 mil and a 0.7, down 22 and 30 percent to tie its series lows. Supernatural (1.7 mil/0.6) ticked down to match its season lows.

NBC | Heartbeat (5.3 mil/0.9) fell 16 and 36 percent from its apres-Voice sneak preview, and landed 28 and 25 percent below time slot predecessor Mysteries of Laura‘s season finale. SVU (6.1 mil/1.5) dipped 12 percent and a tenth. Chicago PD (6.2 mil/1.3) slipped 14 percent and two tenths.

ABC | The Middle (7.2 mil/1.7), black-ish (6.1 mil/1.9) and Nashville (4.2 mil/0.9) were all steady, while Goldbergs (6.6 mil/1.9) and Modern Family (7.7 mil/2.4) each ticked down.

FOX | Rosewood (3.7 mil/1.0) and Hell’s Kitchen (3.6 mil/1.2) each added a tenth.

Nashville Recap: Signed, Sealed, Dejected

Yep, this week’s episode finds the Barkley-Barnes union officially undone after Cadence’s daddy reaches his breaking point. And guess who’s right there to help him realize that enough’s enough? A vengeance-filled former reality star with dramatic bangs and a yen to napalm Juliette’s world.

Read on as we review what happens in “How Does It Feel to Be Free.”

FREE TO BE IN MISERY | Avery tries to see Juliette at the treatment facility twice this episode. The first time, her probably-well-meaning-but-still-SUPER-annoying therapist says that Ju “doesn’t feel now is a safe time to be engaging with you”

due to her emotional fragility, and when Avery gets angry at that — as pretty much anyone in his situation would, I think — the physician ushers him out, saying, “The last thing Juliette needs now is this kind of drama.” Again, probably true… but as someone trained in helping people manage their emotional states, maybe a little empathy is in order, doc?

Anyway, Avery spends a lot of time at the studio, helping Layla with her second album. But when Luke comes looking for Avery because he’s had trouble getting in touch with Juliette, the overwrought producer decides he can’t lie anymore: He confides in Layla that Juliette is in treatment for postpartum depression, prompting her to lay a calculated hand on his forearm and gently prod him toward ripping of the Band-Aid by reminding him that he deserves to feel free, too.

Next thing we know, Avery is back at the hospital, demanding that Juliette’s doctor give her a message: “We’re over. We’ve been over,” he says, issuing an ultimatum that if she doesn’t go public with their divorce in the next 24 hours, he will. She complies, he cries and takes off his wedding band, and then he seems noticeably lighter the next time he and Layla hit the studio. Side note: Cadence isn’t in this episode at all. I hope she and Emily are off somewhere, having a nice spa day.

RISKY BUSINESS | A woman named Vita walks into The Beverly and asks Deacon for a spot on the already-full open-mic list. He grudgingly allows her to audition for one, then he’s so blown away by her talent that he has Rayna and Bucky come down to the bar that night to hear her play. Vita is pretty amazing, but when Rayna all but offers her a record deal right there and then, she acts really oddly.

Turns out, Vita has hit hard times and needs a job pronto. But when the felony question on the bar’s application sends her running, Rayna tracks her down and realizes the younger woman has been living in her car since arriving in Nashville. “I’ve done some things I’m not real proud of. But I’m not that girl anymore,” she says, copping to being arrested in her past. But Ray encourages her to go back and give the waitressing gig another shot; though Frank takes some convincing, she eventually gets the gig.

All is well until the end of Vita’s first shift, when $500 is missing from the till — and Frank is pretty sure it went straight into her pocket. I understand his suspicion, because Vita is a bit shifty, but would someone who has a potential record deal just waiting for her take the risk of lifting cash from a bar belonging to that label head’s husband?

ERIN EXITS | Scarlett sees Erin kissing a dude in a truck, and when Scar acts all squirrelly around Gunnar, he demands she tell him what’s up. So he confronts his lady, who counters with the fact that they weren’t monogamous… but she’s willing to be, because she likes him so much. Thing is, though? Gunnar doesn’t really care that Erin was swapping spit with Random Guy #1, because he’s not really into their relationship. That stings a bit, but she puts on her big girl ugly hat and bids him a fond farewell. Oh, and Scarlett? She has a date with “taxidermy guy from the wedding. Don’t say nothing about it,” she warns Gunnar. I’m just happy that she’s taking my advice.

HATE SLIME | Will happily agrees to sit in on Gunnar and Scarlett’s next live show, but his performance is cut short when a homophobic bag of garbage in the audience yells gay slurs and then throws a beer bottle at Will’s face, making him bleed. The cops come, and the detective in charge says all Will needs to do is give a statement so they can arrest the dude on hate-crime charges. But Will declines, choosing instead to return to the same bar soon after to finish his set. The violent gay-hater is there again, yelling terrible things, but the crowd is definitely behind Will this time. And when Scarlett and Gunnar get up in the guy’s face, he and his awful friends leave. I have my doubts about whether someone who thinks it’s acceptable to brazenly yell “Homo!” in front of a crowded room would be that intimidated by a blonde garden pixie and her lanky sidekick, but that’s neither here nor there.

AND WHEN HE’S HOLLERED UNCLE, WE’LL TEAR UP THE TOWN | Luke’s feelings get hurt when his fans start to turn on him over not being a “real” country guy anymore, thanks to the money and the branding and the tax snafu and blah blah. And Luke’s still smarting over Colt’s refusal to return his calls or texts. So when he runs into old pal Riff, who used to be a huge star but retired a while ago so he could put his family first, Luke thinks he’s come up with the perfect solution to his tour woes: Riff will tour with him and help him get back to his roots! Riff is down with that idea, with one caveat: That he can bring his wife and teenage son and daughter with him. And just like that, they have a wheelin’ dealin’, er, deal. (Side note: What’s the over/under on number of episodes before Luke gets jealous of Riff’s family harmony and starts a fight over something stupid?)

Hayden Panettiere on Recovering from Postpartum Depression: ‘It’s Okay to Ask for Help’

“The biggest message that I’ve been trying to promote for women is that it’s okay to ask for help,” the Nashville star, 26, told PEOPLE on the set of her new Carl’s Jr. commercial. “You feel mommy guilt — it’s for real.”

Panettiere — who gave birth to daughter Kaya Evdokia in December 2014 — knows that many moms can judge themselves too harshly for their perceived shortcomings.

“It’s like being in a tunnel,” she said. “You can’t even remember when you felt good. You try and think back to when you felt good, when you felt positive, when you felt happy, and you can’t. All you see is this enveloping darkness.’

Going public with her battle and recovery has helped the actress to move past those feelings.

“I’ve just been trying to be much more open and honest about who I am,” says Panettiere. “I’m 26 years old, I’m an adult, and [I don’t] have to falsify who I am.”

For more of Panettiere’s interview on postpartum depression and how she moved on, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday.

‘Nashville’ Showrunner Change: Marshall Herskovitz & Ed Zwick To Replace Dee Johnson As Series Seeks Renewal

The showrunner assignment for veterans Herskovitz and Zwick, first reported by TVLine, falls under the first-look deal the duo inked last fall with Lionsgate TV, which co-produces Nashville with ABC Studios.

Nashville has been an important series for Lionsgate TV, the biggest broadcast show for the cable and streaming-centric indie studio. The renewal of the modestly rated drama had gone down to the wire the last couple of seasons, mostly coming down to ABC and Lionsgate haggling over the big price tag of the show starring Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere and eventually coming to an agreement. The showrunner hire is a pre-emptive move often employed by studios behind bubble series in an attempt to secure a renewal. For Nashville, the stakes are higher than usual this year as one of its biggest supporters at ABC, Paul Lee, recently exited in an executive shakeup. Nashville and Castle were the two established ABC drama series that did not get an early pickup earlier this month. (Castle‘s renewal is complicated by the need for new contract with star Nathan Fillion.)

Nashville‘s Live+same day ratings have been very low – it recently returned from hiatus to a 4.3 million total viewers and a o.9 adults 18-49 rating — and that was actually up from the winter finale. On the plus side, it has been a solid DVR gainer, and it has spawned a music and touring business. Creatively, Nashville faced a major challenge this season as it had to accommodate the lengthy medical leave of one of its stars, Panettiere.

Johnson has been on Nashville since the first season, working alongside creator Callie Khouri.

Zwick and Herskovitz, who also created My So-Called Life, Relativity, Once And Again and the influential online series quarterlife, previously had an overall deal at 20th Century Fox TV.

Through their Bedford Falls banner, Herskovitz and Zwick produced such movies as Legends Of The Fall, The Last Samurai and Blood Diamond, all of which were directed by Zwick, as well as I Am Sam and Traffic. Zwick most recently directed and produced Pawn Sacrifice starring Tobey Maguire and Liev Schreiber, which was released in September.

Ratings: Nashville Ticks Up With Nuptial-Themed Return

Opening ABC’s night, The Middle (7.1 mil/1.7) was down two tenths, while The Goldbergs (6.7 mil/1.9), Modern Family (8.1 mil/2.5) and black-ish (6.2 mil/1.9) were steady.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

CBS’ second stab at a Criminal Minds spinoff got off to a solid-ish debut, drawing 8.6 million viewers and a 1.6 demo rating (improving on Code Black’s Season 1 average of 7.1 mil/1.3); TVLine readers gave the premiere an average grade of “B-.” Leading into that, Criminal Minds’ 250th episode (9.6 mil/1.9) added some eyeballs while matching its previous rating. Survivor (9.4 mil/2.1) matched last week’s numbers.

Fox’s Rosewood (3.7 mil/0.9) and Hell’s Kitchen (3.6 mil/1.1) were flat.

Connie Britton Previews the 'Cold, Hard Reality' Rayna and Deacon Face After the Wedding

Heck, we would’ve even accepted a secluded, pants-optional weekend at Deke’s cabin.

But series star Connie Britton tells TVLine that the euphoria from Wednesday’s episode, which finds the lovebirds finally becoming man and wife, burns off rather quickly.

“Basically it seems like the motto of Nashville is: Rayna and Deacon don’t get to be happy for very long,” she says ruefully.

If you need it, here’s a quick recap of the midseason premiere: Despite some hiccups — namely Deacon’s suspicion he’ll ruin Rayna’s life by being a screw-up and Tandy/Maddie/Daphne’s sudden doubt that Deacon is the right partner for Rayna — The First Lady of Country Music and her man get hitched in front of their family and friends (minus Juliette, who’s still in treatment, and Will, who backs out after fallout from his incident with closeted country star Wade Cole).

At the reception, while the happy couple dances into the night, Avery drinks too much and decides he can no longer cover for his absent wife, whom everyone thinks is abroad. Meanwhile, Luke’s son Colt tells a devastated Layla what really happened on the night of Jeff’s death, causing her to hatch a plan to bring down Juliette Barnes.

Below, Britton gives us a sense of what Mr. and Mrs. Claybourne’s immediate future looks like and whether the pair will share a stage before the season ends.

TVLINE | I’m wondering if Rayna at all becomes involved in the plan that Layla formulates at the end of the episode, to take down Juliette?

Oh, no.

TVLINE | Maybe “involved” is the wrong word — is she affected by it, moving forward? Does it mess with her plans for the label?

Not really. It doesn’t really end up impacting [her]. There’s a moment in one of the later episodes where I think Rayna starts to feel like, “I’ve done so much.” Basically feeling like it’s not all it’s cracked up to be to be a label head. I think part of that is feeling like Layla’s got her own agenda going on. Beyond that, no. You know, in later episodes we actually get into other story stuff. So Rayna doesn’t end up feeling it that much.

TVLINE | In next week’s episode, Riff (played by Shameless‘ Steve Kazee) shows up in town and wants Deacon to go on the road with him. What might Rayna have to say about that, so soon after their wedding?

Well, look, there are always things that happen that I’m like, I wish so much that Rayna and Deacon had a longer time before things start getting crazy. I actually don’t remember what Rayna ends up saying at that point. We shot that episode so long ago. I do feel like we very quickly move out of the la-la land of marriage and into cold, hard reality.

TVLINE | That’s no good. Will we at least get to see them sing together or make music together?

Nope. [Laughs]

TVLINE | You’re killing me here.

I know. Trust me, I’m with you. There is one moment where we’re on stage together, but we’re not actually singing together.

TVLINE | During the wedding episode, Tandy and the girls raise some last-minute objections to Deacon. In your mind, is she open to hearing any of that? Or does she 100 percent believe what she tells them before the ceremony?

I think she does. My feeling is, Rayna really has been through it with Deacon. She’s gotten to a place where she is making a very informed choice for her life. She’s also acknowledging her own part in it, which is that she loves the guy. She can’t get away from him. She’s tried for a good part of her life, so I do think she’s going into this with her eyes open and in the best way that she can… That’s the funny thing about when people are born, when people die and when people have weddings: The foundation of all families and relationships gets a little bit shaken. So that’s what we experience in this wedding.

TVLINE | What episode are you shooting now?

We’re on Episode 20 already.

TVLINE | Throw me a tease about what’s going on in that episode.

All I can say is as I said earlier: Happiness and contentment does not last long for Rayna and Deacon. That’s all I have to say.

TVLINE | Any final thoughts on Rayna and Deacon’s big day?

When I think back to the pilot of this show and all of my ideas of what I thought it was going to be, and looking at these characters and particularly the character of Deacon with Rayna, there certainly were satisfying moments in the wedding… with regard to that, because it did feel like we had built a story and an arc to get to this place. So that was very satisfying.

Nashville's Rayna-Deacon Wedding Actually Happened! Are You Relieved?

Naturally, there were a few complications before they could actually walk down the aisle. First, youngest Conrad daughter was super upset about what her mom's new marriage would mean for her. Thankfully, by the end of the episode everyone was on the same page (and young Daphne's fears were abated).

Second, it turns out that someone leaked the top-secret wedding time and location, meaning Rayna and Deacon couldn't have the idyllic outdoor ceremony on Rayna's mom's farm like they wanted. Instead, they had a just-as-beautiful ceremony in a barn. When life gives ya lemons…you make lemonade, mix it with whiskey, then serve it to your wedding guests in mason jars as you get married in a barn instead (obviously this just turned into an amazing Pinterest fever dream).

And as excited as we are that Rayna and Deacon are actually Mrs. and Mr. (and relieved—this is forever, right?), there was also some other incredible news: Juliette is back in the picture!

The superstar singer has remained a fixture on the show while she dealt with her postpartum depression despite not actually appearing in the episodes (i.e. she's made her estranged husband/baby daddy Avery's life very difficult), but it seems we'll finally actually see what she's been up to all this time.

If you're not excited about that, then maybe Rayna and Deacon's love didn't warm up your cold heart enough. Recommended remedy: warm up by watching the episode all over again. Problem solved!

What did you think of the episode? Are you pumped Juliette is coming back?

Nashville airs Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Nashville Star Connie Britton Previews Rayna and Deacon's Wedding: 'This Was a Long Time Coming'

After all, the happy couple jumps right into tying the knot when the drama returns Wednesday (10/9c) — a mere episode after Deke popped the question. “I mean, in my opinion, I think we could have actually drawn it out longer and made even more of a build-up to the wedding,” she tells TVLine, chuckling, a few days before the big event airs.

Perhaps sensing the ire such a statement would cause among The First Lady of Country Music’s fans, she quickly adds, “But I thought it was great that they finally did it!” Read on for more nupitals scoop from the bride herself.

TVLINE | The fact that Rayna and Deacon are actually going through with getting married is a huge deal. I know they talked about it very seriously at the end of Season 3, but how long had you known this was really going to happen?

It wasn’t that long, actually. I probably knew as we were going into this season… We ended up just knowing that we were going to get into it at some point this year, which I was happy about.

TVLINE | Was shooting the actual wedding, walking down the aisle and all, heightened for you in any way, given how much it means for your character? Or was it just another day of shooting the show?

If I’m perfectly honest, the shooting process does tend to take away some of the real romance and glamor of those moments. [Laughs] It was certainly a beautiful day. I mean honestly, the part that struck me the most was as I was walking down the aisle. It was fun to see the reflection of everybody else’s point of view about what was happening, watching Rayna walk down the aisle. I think that the people who were sitting in the audience there — and even some of the cast members and the extras — were genuinely like, oh my God. I think they really felt like they were at a wedding, and that was really cool.

TVLINE | Did you and Charles Esten talk about how to handle the scene ahead of time?

It’s funny, because we had shot already a scene where — there’s another scene in the episode where we’re standing by a lake, and that’s where we were supposed to have the wedding. In that one, that is literally the rehearsal. I mean that was sort of the rehearsal of the wedding. It was funny because we really sort of had rehearsed it. We had rehearsed it in a previous scene. By the time we got there, it was a pretty straightforward walk down the aisle.

There were definitely moments that we wanted to try to capture. To both of us, I know, it was really important to capture the idea that this was a long time coming and both characters had really worked through a lot to get to this place. There was something very special about that.

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Kesha Will Guest Star on Nashville Amid Legal Battle

E! News confirmed that the pop star, who is embroiled in a lawsuit against record producer Dr. Luke, will drop by for a one episode cameo on the soap, playing herself. Earlier this season, she appeared on one episode of Jane the Virgin as Jane's noisy musician neighbor. Also appearing on Nashville in season four are country stars Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett, who will play themselves as well. The Hollywood Reporter originally reported the news.

The stars won't appear in the same episodes, which are all slated for the latter half of the show's current fourth season.

E! News reported yesterday that Dancing With the Stars pro Derek Hough, who is taking a season off from DWTS to star in Singin' In the Rain on Broadway, will reprise his role as Juliette's (Hayden Panettiere) leading man in her Patsy Cline biopic. He'll be back for multiple episodes this spring.

When Nashville returns on Wednesday, we'll see the long-awaited wedding between Rayna and Deacon. Yes, it's actually happening! Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts and singer/songwriter Jim Lauderdale will both appear as themselves in the episode. Later this season, the show adds a pair of new (fictional) country stars to the mix, played by Steve Kazee and Alicia Witt.

Nashville airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Derek Hough Is Headed Back to Nashville!

E! News has exclusively confirmed that the reigning DWTS champion is set to reprise his role on Nashville later this season for multiple episodes. Hough first recurred on the ABC drama in 2014 as Juliette's (Hayden Panettiere) leading man in the biopic the country-superstar-turned-actress was making about Patsy Cline.

We last saw Hough's smokin' hot movie star Noah West back in season three, when he accidentally caused some drama for Juliette and Avery (Jonathan Jackson) in the episode "Nobody Said It Was Going to Be Easy." Juliette's baby daddy had just learned of her pregnancy—via text, no less—and paid her a visit on the set of her film, where he found Noah and Juliette together. Naturally, Avery assumed the worst (although the Noah-Juliette encounter was strictly innocent).

There's no word on how, exactly, Noah will return to the fold, but considering the Patsy Cline movie is very clearly awards bait, perhaps he'll reunite with his costar for the long slog of awards season. (Not gonna lie, we wouldn't be mad about seeing Hough rock a tux.)

Hough revealed recently that he was taking the season off from DWTS to star in the upcoming Broadway production of Singin' In the Rain, playing the role that Gene Kelly made famous in the classic 1952 movie. The stage version of the musical originally opened in 1983, and ran for a year.

Nashville's fourth season returns to its Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. time slot on March 16 with the long-awaited wedding between Rayna and Deacon.

Hayden Panettiere Details Her Experience with Postpartum Depression: ‘It Is One of the Most Debilitating, Scary, Guilty Feelings’

“I was always so terrified that people weren’t going to accept me,” the 26-year-old tells Yahoo! Style in a new interview of revealing that she had PPD.

“I finally just went, ‘I’m tired of living afraid. I’m tired of living in fear of what people are going to think, so, you know, I’m just going to put it all out there on the table and I’m not going to worry about the judgment.’ ”

The Nashville actress — who shares daughter Kaya Evdokia, nearly 15 months, with fiancé Wladimir Klitschko — entered treatment last October, and was immediately “floored” by the outpouring of support she received.

“The more open I was, the more acceptance I got from people,” she told Yahoo!. “I got so much support and so much love.”

Panettiere added, “I feel much more exposed, yes, but in a great way.”

What the star doesn’t appreciate, however, is the sometimes negative stigma that surrounds PPD.

She says of critics: “It’s like you have no idea what you’re talking about. If you think for one second that a mother wants to feel that way toward her child, you’re outta your mind. It is one of the most debilitating, scary, guilty feelings that you can ever feel.”

Continuing, “That a mother would not be able to connect with their child, would not be able to get a grip, or would not know what’s going on, for anybody to say that it’s false or created by us, you must have your head examined.”

On top of her personal journey, Panettiere was also faced with her Nashville character’s own struggle with PPD — an unplanned coincidence. In fact, Juliette’s battle has extended past Panettiere’s own.

“It was strange having to throw myself back into that frame of mind,” she shared. “The way I do things is to pull from my own personal experience and sometimes even turn myself into what I’m portraying so that I can pull from my life and step into that person’s shoes by being able to relate.”

Eric Close To Play A Lead In ABC Pilot ‘The Death Of Eva Sofia Valdez’

Written by Cuban-American playwright Charise Castro Smith, The Death Of Eva Sofia Valdez is described as a sexy revenge drama with a supernatural twist. It centers on Eva Sofia Valdez (Torres), a Cuban immigrant who rose from rags to riches and is a celebrated Miami entrepreneur and a champion for immigrant rights. But her success is fueled by an insatiable ambition that could destroy her family, a vendetta against the lover Blair Monroe (Close) who betrayed her, and ghosts from the past who threaten to reveal the dark sacrifices Eva Sofia made to attain the American Dream.

Close’s Blair Monroe is a handsome and wealthy Miami aristocrat whose family has ruled the city for decades. Once deeply in love with Eva Sofia, he abandoned her, leaving her pregnant and destitute. Now a candidate for mayor, he meets Eva Sofia by chance at a public function — and pretends he has no recollection of her. However, he vividly recalls their affair — and in truth, there’s still a powerful attraction between them, even almost 30 years later. But his insulting and cowardly reaction to their chance meeting enrages Eva Sofia, whose thirst for vengeance may have tragic consequences for all involved.

This marks a re-teaming of Close and Torres — Close has been recurring on the USA drama series Suits, which stars Torres.

Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters executive produce alongside Castro Smith for ABC Studios.

Close was a series regular opposite Connie Britton on the first three seasons of ABC drama Nashville. On the feature side, the Without a Trace alum was seen in Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper. He is repped by Gersh and Untitled Entertainment.

Celebrities urge world leaders to fight for girls and women

The letter released Sunday states that some 62 million girls around the world are denied the right to education, 500 million women can't read and 155 countries have laws that discriminate against women.

"Nowhere on earth do women have as many opportunities as men. Nowhere," the letter states. "The fight for gender equality is global."

Signers also include Tina Fey, Robert Redford, Shonda Rhimes, Ashley Judd, Amy Poehler, Colin Farrell, Danai Gurira, Connie Britton, Elton John, Patricia Arquette, Muhammed Ali, Sheryl Sandberg and Sean Parker. The push is organized by the ONE Campaign, co-founded by Irish rocker Bono to end extreme poverty and disease.

"We still living in a time period where the most impoverished and disadvantaged people in the world are, without question, women and girls," said Gurira, the playwright of the Broadway show "Eclipsed," in an interview. "The light and the potential of women and girls in the world today is being blocked."

The letter comes a few days before International Women's Day, which is Tuesday. It calls on leaders to help girls and women fight HIV and malnutrition and support female economic empowerment.

Gurira, who also plays a sword-wielding zombie assassin on AMC's "The Walking Dead," has long been an advocate for women and will travel to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress on Tuesday.

"Enough is enough. We have to close this gap, and we have to make a concerted, focused effort and that requires speaking directly to the global leaders who have the power to make change," Gurira said. "It's an extension of myself to fight for and, as much as I can, give voice to those who are in systems of oppression based on their gender."

An accompanying report called "Poverty Is Sexist 2016" reads: "In too many countries, being born poor and female means a life sentence of inequality, oppression and poverty — and in too many cases also a death sentence."

Last year, Streep and singers Beyonce and Lady Gaga signed an open letter saying empowering women was the key to fighting the world's inequalities and poverty.

Scott Reeves Returns to NASHVILLE

Reeves previously appeared on NASHVILLE as music agent Noel Laughlin in a handful of episodes starting last season. What brings him back onto the canvas? You’ll have to stay tuned to find out! NASHVILLE airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET, and returns with new episodes beginning on March 16.

ABC Gives Early Renewals To 15 Series, Leaves ‘Castle’ & ‘Nashville’ On the Bubble

Not on the list are veteran procedural Castle, whose renewal is contingent on making a new deal with star Nathan Fillion. There had been preliminary conversations, but I hear talks paused when the changeover at the top of ABC happened and are expected to resume with new entertainment president Dungy.

Also not making the early renewal cut are several bubble shows, drama Nashville, freshman comedy The Muppets and sophomore “bridge shows” Agent Carter, whose star already was recruited for an ABC pilot, and Galavant.

Also MIA are Friday multi-camera comedies Last Man Standing and Dr. Ken, both of which have performed solidly on the night. The renewal of veteran Last Man Standing, which comes from 20th TV, has traditionally come down to the wire as the two companies wrangle over financial terms.

The 15 early orders are in stark contrast to the MO employed by Dungey’s predecessor Paul Lee, who would hold off on all renewals — even of the network’s biggest shows — until the Thursday or Friday before upfront week. Early renewals are welcomed by showrunners and studios as they provide security, allowing them to lock in key writers for next season and spend more time planning the show’s creative direction.

“We’re very proud of our strong roster of performers, and we’re excited about what they will bring us creatively next season,” said Channing Dungey, President, ABC Entertainment.

Quantico, starring Priyanka Chopra, has been breaking DVR records with triple-digit lifts.

Despite year-to-year declines, ABC’s Shondaland Thursday remains arguably the most potent all-drama lineup on broadcast TV.

Once Upon a Time, which is marking its 100th episode this spring, has been slipping in the ratings but remains a solid DVR gainer. It also is among the shows with strongest synergy ties to the Disney brand, featuring many of the popular Disney fairytale characters.

The Goldbergs, coming off its well-rated Dirty Dancing-themed episode last night, has been a success story for ABC. The Sony TV comedy had a rough start on Tuesday, paired with Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. in its first season, but has excelled since relocating to the Wednesday comedy block at the beginning of Season 2.

Ditto for Fresh Off the Boat, another sophomore comedy success for the network.

Chris Carmack Engaged to Erin Slaver

Chris Carmack, who plays Will Lexington on the ABC show, is engaged to Erin Slaver, his rep confirmed to People (who was first to report the couple's happy news). The bride-to-be, who is a singer, actress, violinist and fiddler herself, also gushed over the couple's happy engagement news on social media.

On Tuesday, she Instagrammed a smiling photo of herself and her fiancé celebrating "Sparkling drinks and fingers". She later took to Twitter to thank fans for all their well wishes, writing, "Wow, thanks everyone for all the love! I'm overwhelmed with happiness from your kind thoughts!"

The future spouses are clearly quite a talented twosome. According to Erin's website, she's played the violin in a number of country music specials (including the 2011-2013 CMA Awards, the 2011-2013 CMA Country Christmas specials and as a violinist for Eric Church at the CMT Music Awards in 2012). She's also been featured in Sara Evans' "Slow Me Down" and Lonestar's "Maybe Someday" music videos. Her acting credits include multiple stage performances, TV commercials and also a recurring role on Nashville as a backup singer for Hayden's Juliette Barnes character.

The groom-to-be is, of course, an accomplished singer and actor, too. You might remember him as Luke Ward on The O.C., but that's just one of the many TV and film credits he's nabbed over the past 15 years. He went from a recurring character in Nashville's first season to a series regular by the second, and in in December 2015 he released his EP, Pieces of You.

Big congratulations to the happy pair!

Nashville‘s “Will Lexington” Is Engaged

Oh, also, she’s kissing Chris Carmack in the picture, so that made it all crystal clear.

Carmack, who plays Will Lexington on Nashville, proposed to Slaver, who had also been on the first two seasons of the show. She played one of Juliette Barnes’ background singers.

Slayer has toured with Martina McBride and is currently in the band JD & the Straight Shot.

10 Teases About Rayna and Deacon's Wedding (It's Almost Here!)

ABC has released the country-music drama’s midseason premiere — which airs Wednesday, March 16 at 10/9c and which takes place on the couple’s big day — to the media. And while it may be bad luck for a bride and groom to see each other before the ceremony, it can’t hurt to give you a glimpse of what’ll take place during the hour, right?

The following spoilers are intentionally vague, in an effort to maintain some of the event’s surprises (and to keep the network from revoking our invitation). Think of these quick hits as the passed hors d’oeuvres course during cocktail hour: tasty, yet leaving you hungry for the main course.

Without further ado, here comes the bride, y’all!

* Not everyone is psyched about the upcoming union; three characters in particular strongly make their misgivings known.

* We get an update on Juliette. (Related: You’ve all gotten the update on Hayden Panettiere, right?)

* Avery drinks a lot of whiskey. (This one may or may not be related to the previous spoiler.)

* Early in the episode, Deacon does something he probably shouldn’t.

* Someone not known for being level-headed makes a really good point, but then the situation descends into histrionics.

* Gunnar crumbles under pressure, and it’s pretty funny. (Seriously, one of Nashville‘s best decisions was to use Sam Palladio as comic relief from time to time.)

* Someone you would expect to attend the wedding… doesn’t.

* Context-free quote: “Are you into poetry, music or animals?”

* Someone stress-vomits.

* You’ll hear a beautiful new arrangement of a song you already know.

First Look: See the Custom Wedding Gown Nashville's Rayna James Wears to (Finally!) Walk Down the Aisle

Country music’s star-crossed loves will tie the knot when Nashville returns to ABC on March 16. And we got all the details on the fabulous gown Rayna (Connie Britton) wears in the episode, aptly titled “Forever and Always.”

Nashville‘s costume designer Susie DeSanto tells PEOPLE she jumped at the opportunity to work on the centerpiece of the highly anticipated scene.

“I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to design a dress for Connie, because I love that girl,” DeSanto says. “Like her character, the dress is simple, honest, not too fussy, elegant and sophisticated.”

The bodice was made from one piece of lace (DeSanto scoured through “a million pieces” of Chantilly lace to get it just right) and the skirt features silk netting with hand-sewn lace flower appliqués, and goes over a crepe, silk-backed satin. The designer calls the color “a beautiful bisque.”

Britton was not going to let her beloved Rayna walk down the aisle without giving some input, though. “Connie was involved in the process — we have a great relationship so it was fun for us,” DeSanto says. “I showed her the sketches, and we had several fittings.

“This wedding dress has a truth to it,” she adds. “It’s what you wear when you marry your true love.”

The only hitch about the two getting hitched? Some tough weather conditions.

“In real life you wear your wedding dress for a ceremony and reception,” DeSanto says. “This is a dress she wears for 48 hours of filming. The days we shot the wedding it was pouring rain and the set was surrounded in mud — not great conditions for a white dress.”

You can watch the nuptials (and see the dress!) when Nashville returns with “Forever and Always” on March 16 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

Hayden Panettiere Makes Double Denim Look Sexy with Pair of Daisy Dukes

The Nashville actress was spotted donning a pair of denim shorts with a plunging chambray top on set Wednesday.

Panettiere, 26, may have tapped into her on-screen alter ego Juliette Barnes’ style as she accessorized her ensemble with a brown leather belt and pair of heeled booties.

Since completing treatment for postpartum depression in late November, the mother of one has been back to work looking beautiful than ever, recently at the Critics’ Choice Awards, where she made her red carpet return.

And fans cheered on Panettiere as she channeled her inner diva on Lip Sync Battle, even bringing out Christina Aguilera for a special performance of her song “Lady Marmalade.”

She and fiancé Wladimir Klitschko welcomed their daughter Kaya in December 2014.

Oliver Hudson Objects to Ryan Reynolds' Sexiest Dad Alive Title ... and Is Holding a Grudge

The Scream Queens actor took to Instagram on Friday, calling out Ryan Reynolds on his unopposed run for the title.

"Couple a comments.. First of all no one told me this contest was going on so I was unable to enter and I would of crushed him," Hudson, 39, captioned a photo of the Reynolds recent magazine cover. "Secondly he dated my wife for 6 months back in the day.. so there's that too.."

Hudson's wife, Erinn Bartlett, worked on the film Buying the Cow with Reynolds in 2002.

The Deadpool star was revealed as the cover on Tuesday's Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and has since been gushing about family life and fatherhood.

Riley Smith To Star In the CW’s ‘Frequency’ Reboot

The TV series, written by Supernatural showrunner Jeremy Carver, centers on Raimy, a female police detective in 2016 who discovers that she is able to speak via a ham radio with her estranged father, Frank Sullivan (Smith), also a detective, who died in 1996.

Seen in 1996, Frank Sullivan has been undercover for two years. The strain of the assignment effectively destroyed his marriage and separated him from his little girl, Raimy, but he gets a new chance at building a relationship with her when she begins communicating with him from 20 years in the future. The two forge a new relationship while working together on an unresolved murder case, but unintended consequences of the ‘butterfly effect’ wreak havoc in the present day.

Emmerich’s feature took place in New York in 1999 and starred Jim Caviezel as homicide detective John Sullivan who strangely makes contact with his late father Frank Sullivan (Quaid) exactly 30 years in the past on the day before his death.

The CW’s Frequency, from WBTV and Lin Pictures, is executive produced by Carve, Emmerich, John Rickard, and Lin Pictures’ Dan Lin and Jennifer Gwartz.

This marks True Blood alum Smith’s return to the CW and WBTV where he recurred on the drama series The Messengers. Smith, who is coming off a major recurring role on ABC’s Nashville, is repped by Sanders.Armstrong.Caserta Management and Gersh.

Hayden and XTina bring the heat for ‘Lady Marmalade’ on ‘Lip Sync Battle’

Panettiere has enlisted the help of one Christina Aguilera to perform the 1975 hit by girl group Labelle — made up of Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash — that became a smash when Aguilera, Lil Kim, Pink and Missy Elliott recorded it for “Moulin Rouge” in 2001.

Sporting big blonde wigs, Panettiere is handling the other three singers’ parts while Aguilera is there to bring the house down by lip-syncing to her own run-filled vocals.

Eva Longoria better bring her A game to top this sexy, sassy “Lady Marmalade” that Panettiere and Aguilera have cooked up.

“Lip Sync Battle” airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Spike.

Jonathan Jackson Shares His New Restaurant With His Family

Jack and Jameson’s Smokehouse is a new restaurant opening soon in Franklin, TN, and Jackson is one of the co-owners along with former GH co-star Steve Burton (ex-Jason, now Dylan on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS).

And because it’s a family-friendly establishment, it seems only appropriate that Jackson brought along his own family to check on the restaurant’s progress as it prepares for opening day!

With him was wife, Lisa Vultaggio (ex-Hanna, GH), sons Caleb and Titus and daughter Adora. And it looks like the kids went home with souvenir T-shirts!

Flyers captain Giroux visits set of 'Nashville'

Giroux and some friends visited the set of ABC's hit TV show "Nashville." Several stars of the show, including Chris Carmack, Hayden Panettiere and Jonathan Jackson, took a timeout between takes to meet with Giroux.

Giroux will take part in the DraftKings Accuracy Shooting competition, the Gatorade NHL Skills Challenge Relay and the Discover NHL Shootout during the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Skills Competition at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday (7 p.m. ET, NBCSN, SN, TVA Sports) and compete on the Metropolitan Division squad in the 2016 Honda NHL All-Star Game on Sunday (5 p.m. ET, NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports).

GLAAD Awards Nominees

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Arrow (The CW)
Black Sails (Starz)
Empire (FOX)
The Fosters (ABC Family)
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
How to Get Away with Murder (ABC)
Nashville (ABC)
Orphan Black (BBC America)
Sense8 (Netflix)
Shameless (Showtime).

Nashville Cast Reflect on How the TV Series Changed Their Lives

And I’m not the only person longing for the hit ABC series to return. The show has made a tremendous impact on audiences all over the world. Last month, CMT honored the cast with the International Impact Award during the CMT Artists of the Year ceremony. When I caught up with several cast members that night, they talked of what the series and the city have meant to them.

“One of the main things is just bringing us here [to Nashville],” Jonathan Jackson, who plays Avery Barkley, told me recently. “I have three kids, and to come to a city like this and be here has been amazing for my family, so I’m really thankful for that.

“On a personal level, just having so many friends on the show and the cast, it’s such a tight-knit group. Just the love and gratitude I have for Callie Khouri (the show’s creator), it’s really become like a family in many ways.”

Charles Esten, aka Deacon Claybourne, also told me the show has also created a “family” and sense of community among fans and has definitely changed his life.

“It’s seismic. It’s life changing. It’s really hard to overstate it,” he said. “Really. I’ve been an actor for a long, long time, and I’ve had a lot of roles that I really enjoyed and was really been able to sink my teeth into whether they were comedies or dramas. I’ve played music my whole life and written music for a long, long time, so I was always doing these things.

“I never imagined I’d get the opportunity to do them all together on one beautiful project like this that just means so much to me. To get to be a part of this show and to get to play a character that just goes through so much and is so very human — and to get to move people who are going through some of the things that characters are going through or just entertain them and make them smile and laugh and take them away for a little bit during a hard time — to know that not only is out show out there for them to watch, but the music is out there for them to listen to along their journey and the things they’re going through, it kinda blows me away.”

For actor-singer Chris Carmack, playing Will Lexington, the country star who came out in season three, has had a massive impact on him personally and opened his eyes to a bigger, very important issue.

“I’ve always been a supporter of LGBT causes, and I have lots of gay friends who, of course, I support,” Carmack said.

“But I think stepping into the shoes of Will Lexington has enlightened me to the necessity of having a loud voice and the ‘now’ factor. It’s easy to sit back and be complacent and say, ‘I don’t have a problem with it. Why does everyone have a problem with it?’ and just throw up your hands and say, ‘Oh, progress is being made!’

“But when you really step into those shoes of someone, you realize progress is being made, but it’s too slow. And while we’re waiting for progress to be made, people’s lives can be ruined. There’s the need of a loud voice and there’s need of a high flag being waved and there’s a need of individual liberties and respect now. I think playing Will Lexington has helped me understand that.”

For Aubrey Peeples, who plays Layla Grant, the show simply means everything.

“I mean, it’s made every impact,” she said. “I started the show when I was 19. Now I’m 22. I know I’m still very young, but those are prime growing years emotionally. So I’ve really grown up a lot already on the show, so it’s had a lot of personal impact. But on top of that, it’s been the one big thing to really start my acting career and my music career, so I owe everything to the show. It means the world to me.”

Sadly, we must wait several more Wednesday nights before we see our beloved characters back in action. Nashville returns March 16. But it’s good to know that in the meantime, we’re all feeling the impact.

Hayden Panettiere: Being Honest About Postpartum Depression Struggle Is a ‘Weight Off My Shoulders’

“It feels different for me because of things that I’ve gone through recently, over the last year,” the Nashville star told PEOPLE exclusively on the red carpet for the Critics’ Choice Awards. “I’ve really gone, ‘You know what, I’ve been in this industry for so long, forget it!’ I’ve been hiding myself. Just putting out the smiling face, showing people this, and allowing that veil to come down — it’s like a weight off my shoulders.”

She adds, “I’m 26 years old. I’m a mom. I don’t need to be afraid of what people are going to think. I saw how much people rallied behind me when I was honest, and I didn’t know that honesty could be such a gift.”

Sunday night marked Panettiere’s first U.S. red carpet appearance since entering treatment in October, and the actress says she enjoyed walking in front of the cameras “so much more because I don’t feel like I have to hide anymore.”

After welcoming daughter Kaya Evdokia in December 2014 with fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, Panettiere said she felt scared. Choosing to be open about her struggle has helped, though, she contends.

“Honestly, when I said [I had PPD] the first time on Kelly and Michael I didn’t plan on it,” she says. “We talked about it for a second, but it was just like a conversation, and I was like, ‘Why should I be ashamed or hide when it costs so much?’ It costs me so much to hide. It costs you so much to lie.”

Panettiere has used her own personal journey to address the stigma surrounding PPD, and tells PEOPLE that “there is no overcoming” the often negative sentiment.

“The only important thing to me is that I’m not causing myself pain and discomfort anymore, and I can be a strong woman for my daughter to look up to,” she says. “It would horrible for me to be going, ‘You can be whomever you want! You can do whatever you want in life!’ yet I was unable to follow the same words.”

As she tells E! News, “I was floored by the positive response. I’m really happy that I can stand up for the women who are out there suffering from this and let them know it’s okay. They’re not alone. It doesn’t mean they’re weak. It doesn’t mean they’re a bad mom. It doesn’t mean they’re strange. They can get help if they need it, and that’s okay.”

Hayden Panettiere Wears Plunging Peach Gown to First Red Carpet Since PPD Treatment

After welcoming daughter Kaya in December 2014, Panettiere entered treatment in October for PPD, saying “It’s really painful and it’s really scary and women need a lot of support.” Her Nashville character, in an ironic twist, was also suffering from the same disease.

After receiving treatment, Panettiere made her first public appearance in late November to support fiancé Wladimir Klitschko ringside during his boxing match against Tyson Fury. Shortly thereafter, she debuted a big haircut on Twitter, writing, “Chopping hair off is like getting rid of metaphorical and literal dead ends. Off with the old and growing the new.”

Sunday night (just days after she announced she’d be returning to Nashville), she officially returned to the red carpet, sporting a pale peach Maria Lucia Hohan dress that showed off her figure thanks to the seriously plunging neckline and side cutouts. Delicate silvery jewels and a small clutch were all she added to accessorize the already head-turning look, and she kept her new bob wavy and makeup clean and fresh.

Supergirl's Laura Benanti Brings Her Own Teen Angst to New Theater Kid Anthem 'I Like Musicals'

"I have a pretty awesome life, which I'm so grateful for, but in high school, I was not cool," Benanti tells PEOPLE. "I envied the cheerleaders, I wished that I was a jock – all I wanted was to fit in."

That experience inspires her hilarious new single, I Like Musicals, featuring lyrics revealing how she would much rather listen to My Fair Lady than whatever is currently on the radio.

"I guess I was just thinking about what I felt like as a teenager versus what my life is now," she explains.

For Benanti, adult life is a lot more fun. "I like to approach things through humor," she admits. The singer mixed those feelings with a variety of musical styles, including rock and roll-inspired guitar riffs, operatic high notes and spoken-word interludes worthy of the cheesiest boy band slow jam.

Though Benanti didn't originally plan to release the song as a single – it was her friend and guitar player Ann Klein who encouraged her to record "I Like Musicals" after she played it during a concert at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center – she hopes that the message will connect with other people who have felt like the odd ones out at some point in their lives.

Especially if those people happen to be fellow theater kids themselves.

"That's my dream!" she exclaimed when asked if she could picture kids across the country using her song to profess their own love for musicals. "We're gonna release a karaoke track so that anybody who wants to sing it at their talent show or their recital will be able to do that, complete with backup vocals so that it would be a full track."

"I Like Musicals" will also give back to young people in another way: All of the proceeds from the song will benefit Save the Music, which is committed to keeping music education in schools.

"The thing that got me through school, was having chorus and having band and having theater, and that is rapidly diminishing, so I feel like that is an organization that we need to support," Benanti says.

The other thing that helped Benanti get through her school years? Musicals (duh) – in particular, The Sound of Music and its iconic star, Julie Andrews, who receives a hilarious shout out in the chorus of "I Like Musicals" with the line, "I like Julie Andrews more than Britney Spears".

"I would say The Sound of Music has had a tremendous effect on my life in general," Benanti says. "It was my favorite musical growing up, I only ever wanted to be Julie Andrews – as I say in the song."

Just in case Ms. Andrews happens to be reading this, Benanti admits that while she'd love to play her daughter, she would also be happy to "be her dresser, I'd bring her tea, anything that she needs, I would be there for her." (So, think about it, Julie.)

The release of "I Like Musicals" couldn't come at a more "perfect time" for Benanti: After spending the last 5 years working on TV, she's returning to Broadway in the Roundabout Theater Company's revival of She Loves Me. She'll play Amalia, a parfumerie clerk who spends her days bickering with her co-worker Georg (Zachary Levi), unaware that he and the man she's been exchanging anonymous love letters with are the same person.

"Broadway is hands down my first love, it is the thing that I love most in the world," Benanti says, "and to be able to be on stage with this remarkable cast and sing these songs … I just feel so lucky."

Between a dream role on Broadway, life as a newlywed, and a new single – not to mention a book on the way and the reigning title as one of the funniest people on Twitter – is there anything that can bring Benanti down right now?

"Do you think that Britney Spears fans are going to come after me, and try to hurt me?" she asked during our interview. "That's the only thing I'm worried about, but I put in that spoken line – ["Don't get me wrong, I still like Britney Spears"]. That's the only thing I'm worried about."

Something tells us they'll find the whole thing just as funny as we do.

ABC’s Paul Lee On The Future Of ‘Castle’ & ‘Nashville’, ‘Muppets’ Woes, Big Swings – TCA

“We’d love for Castle to keep going for years to come,” ABC president Paul Lee said at a TCA panel today. “There are lots of good ideas for that. I don’t want to give a glimpse to what those ideas might be, but I’m feeling optimistic that we’ve got some good ideas.”

Also, no end date yet for soap Nashville, which has had a challenging fourth season with star Hayden Panettiere taking a medical leave for treatment of postpartum depression. Panettiere just returned to work, and the series is going ahead, with no plans to wrap the story. “We don’t have any plans to end it (after Season 4),” Lee said. “Nashville has an incredibly passionate audience, so we don’t have plans other than to keep it going.”

Lee also spoke of off-beat comedy series Galavant, which beat the odds to return for a second season. “It’s an adorable show,” Lee said. “The execution of the second season is really strong.” He also mentioned a potential Broadway future for the series.

Lee addressed the softer-than-expected start of The Muppets, which underwent a showrunner change. “We didn’t quite feel that the show had the joy, the laughter and heart we were looking for,” Lee said, adding that “we have very high, high hopes” for the revamped second part of the season.

Lee also fully supported the twist in the fall finale of Shonda Rhimes’ Scandal that featured Olivia Pope getting an abortion. “I loved the way it was a big surprise,” he said. “I backed (Rhimes) to the hilt.”

Lee was not apologetic about the quick demise of Wicked City. “I love taking big swings, and that was a big swing. It didn’t find an audience, and we didn’t think it would grow, but you are in much worse shape if you don’t take swings.”

Hayden Panettiere Returns to Nashville Following Medical Leave

Nashville‘s Hayden Panettiere — who in October took a leave of absence from the ABC drama to undergo treatment for postpartum depression — has returned to work on the series, TVLine has learned exclusively.

An ABC rep declined to comment, but sources confirm that the actress reported back to the set on Friday to begin work on Season 4’s 14th episode, which is slated to air in April. (Nashville returns from its midseason break on March 16).

Panettiere left the series in early October just as Episode 9 was about to start production. Her character, Juliette — who in an eerie parallel was also battling postpartum depression — was last seen in the Nov. 18 episode.

At the time, executive producer/showrunner Dee Johnson said that she fully expected Panettiere to return.

“It’s not the entire season, it’s just for now,” Johnson told Deadline, adding, “We’ve had to make adjustments, but it’s not uncommon for shows to have to make such accommodations when real life intervenes.”

Michiel Huisman will star in Harley and the Davidsons

Nashville First Look: Steve Kazee's Farmer Riff Arrives in Music City

Broadway star Steve Kazee makes his debut on the ABC country-music drama this March, and TVLine has an exclusive first glimpse of the Tony winner in his first episode.

As previously reported, Kazee’s character is a former country superstar who abandoned the music business when he fell in love with a woman who was an aspiring singer/songwriter herself. Now, he’s a family man and farmer.

Kazee will recur in the second half of Season 4, which resumes Wednesday, March 16 at 10/9c.

As you can see in the photo, Riff and Luke seem friendly — might the mogul be thinking about rebuilding his oft-mentioned brand by luring former star Riff to Wheelin’ Dealin’ Records?

Nashville EP on How an Avery/Emily Romance Almost Happened

The beleaguered Nashville dad, who’s in the middle of a struggle to understand his wife’s postpartum depression, has had few people to lean on since Juliette went into treatment.

Juliette’s assistant, Emily, has become Avery’s go-to babysitter/confidant as he tries to figure out what his future with the country star will look like. The corresponding increase in scenes shared by Jonathan Jackson and Kourtney Hansen, then, led some TVLine readers to theorize that the characters’ relationship was on the verge of turning more-than-platonic.

And it almost did.

The ABC drama thought about an Avery/Emily romance “for a hot minute,” showrunner Dee Johnson confesses to TVLine. “We love Emily.”

Ultimately, though, the show’s Powers That Be decided against pairing the two — however briefly — because Juliette ultimately will return; the “collateral damage” of the hook-up, Johnson says, would’ve led to someone (likely Hansen’s Emily) having to leave town.

Meanwhile, what about that other woman who’ll catch Avery’s eye when the drama returns in March? Should Juliette be worried?

Johnson, who doesn’t want to give away too many details, simply answers: “No.”

'Nashville,' soap opera stars team up for new Franklin restaurant

According to the restaurant's Facebook page, work on Jack and Jameson's Smokehouse is underway at 509 Hillsboro Road.

Owners Jackson and Burton have been friends for more than 15 years, and believe Jack and Jameson's (named for their sons, not the booze) is "the kind of family friendly, world-class restaurant and music venue Franklin needs."

Jack and Jameson's will feature burgers, barbecue and melts and looks to serve 15 to 20 local beers on tap. Weekends will bring live music (who knows, maybe Avery Barkley will make an appearance).

Stay updated with their Facebook and Twitter pages.

Nashville's Clare Bowen on Her Fiancé Brandon Robert Young: 'I'm Very Grateful for Him'

In fact, Bowen, 31, and her real-life love Brandon Robert Young are pretty much living the fairytale.

The couple, who got engaged earlier this month during her set at the Grand Ole Opry, were actually brought together by the music of the show.

Young was asked to step in and duet with Bowen on "If I Didn't Know Better" (a song Scarlett performed with Gunnar in the show's pilot episode) during a concert at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.

"I met Clare, we ran through the song twice and then the next time we were singing it was, strangely enough, in front of 13,000 people," recalls Young. "Clare and I kept in touch and we started writing together – and now we're together together."

"Brandon has taught me a lot about songwriting," adds Bowen. "He's ... my soulmate."

Young. a musician who's toured for 15 years with John Hiatt and Jennifer Nettles, is also a source of calm in what can otherwise be a crazy life.

"When you have those moments in the middle of the show where it can get overwhelming – there are lots of people out there – I just look at him, at the end of a very long show, a very long day, a long tour, to be able to lay down next to your best friend ... I couldn't really ask for very much more," Bowen says. "I'm very grateful for him."

Nashville: On the Record 3 gives fans an intimate look at the lives of the show's cast members and is airing Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET on ABC. Once aired, the full show will be available on ABC.com and the WATCH ABC app.

Critics' Choice Awards Nominations

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Clayne Crawford - Rectify – Sundance
Christopher Eccleston - The Leftovers – HBO
Andre Holland - The Knick – Cinemax
Jonathan Jackson - Nashville – ABC
Rufus Sewell - The Man in the High Castle – Amazon
Christian Slater - Mr. Robot – USA

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Ann Dowd - The Leftovers – HBO
Regina King - The Leftovers – HBO
Helen McCrory - Penny Dreadful – Showtime
Hayden Panettiere - Nashville – ABC
Maura Tierney - The Affair – Showtime
Constance Zimmer - UnREAL – Lifetime

Nashville's Friday Night Lights Reunion: Alicia Witt Joins Season 4 in Major Role

Alicia Witt — who played Becky Sproles’ single mom Cheryl on Friday Night Lights — will reunite with former co-star Connie Britton during a major Nashville arc.

Per EW.com, Witt will play country music sensation Autumn, who is described as “a respected singer who’s paid her dues and who’s managed to both cross over to pop and thrive in the era of bro country… Never married, but perpetually involved, Autumn struggles to find real love in her life.”

In addition to FNL, Witt’s TV credits include House of Lies, Justified and The Mentalist.

Ratings: Criminal Minds Rises, Arrow Slips, Nashville Dips to New Lows

Opening the Eye’s night, Survivor (9.8 mil/2.3) boasted its largest audience of the season and its best number since Sept. 30. Come 10 pm, Code Black (8.4 mil/1.4) dipped a tenth from last week’s season high.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

THE CW | Arrow (2.8 mil/1.0, average reader grade “B+”) fell 23 and 29 percent from last week’s crossover/season highs. Supernatural (1.9 mil/0.7, “A-“) slipped two tenths.

ABC | The Middle (8 mil/2.0) and The Goldbergs (7 mil/2.0) were steady in the demo, Modern Family (8.2 mil/2.6) rose two tenths and black-ish (6 mil/1.7) inched up one tenth. Nashville (4.1 mil/0.8) ticked down to new series lows.

FOX | Leading out of an Empire rerun (3.4 mil/1.0), Taraji and Terence’s holiday special did 5 mil and a 1.5.

NBC | The Mat Franco special did 4.3 mil/1.0, The Illusionists 3.5 mil/0.9).

Nashville EP on the Fall Finale's Huge 'Deyna' Moment — and Why Markus Deserves a Lot of the Credit for It

It finally happened: In Nashville‘s fall finale, Deacon dropped to one knee and asked Rayna to marry him.

And unlike previous Claybourne proposals, Deke was neither drunk nor dying when he did so.

Also unlike previous attempts? This wedding, showrunner Dee Johnson tells TVLine, is actually gonna happen — and soon.

“He all but proposed at the end of last season,” the EP says, referencing Deacon’s hospital-room freakout right before his liver transplant. “But stuff happened, and there was a lot of emotion they had to get through. We knew they needed time.”

In essence, the pair has been behaving like a married couple since the beginning of Season 4, she adds. But “even though they were living together, they were like ships in the night, because they were in their own little trajectories, motivated by their own needs. He was doing The Beverly for his sister. She was trying to get Highway 65 out of the gutter,” Johnson says. “It pulled them further apart than they’d ever been, in a weird way.”

Bizarrely, if you’re feeling the need to send a thank-you to the universe re: the engagement, send it care of Boulevard’s impetuous former frontman.

“Markus was the catalyst for bringing them back together and Deacon saying, ‘No, we’ve got to make this happen,'” the EP adds. “‘There’s got to be no question in anybody’s mind that we are together.'”

So consider this your official save-the-date notice: After a short time jump, Rayna and Deacon will walk down the aisle this March, Johnson says. While the event might not be the Luke Wheeler-style extravaganza we saw planned last season, there’s a good chance there’ll be some famous friends — and familiar faces (like Judith Hoag’s Tandy) — in attendance.

After all, “You can’t get married without your sister there!” Johnson says, laughing.

Nashville Scoop: Boardwalk Empire Alum Meg Steedle to Catch Avery's Eye

TVLine has learned that Steedle will appear in a midseason episode as a single mom that Avery sparks to after they have a charming first encounter. (In related news: Juliette, please come back as soon as possible!)

Steedle first “hinted” at her Nashville visit on Twitter:

@MegSteedle : Can you tell which set I'm on?? The filter is a hint.

In addition to her Season 3 run as Boardwalk‘s Billie Kent, Steedle’s TV credits include a series regular stint on The Mysteries of Laura, a scene-stealing turn in the NCIS episode “The Admiral’s Daughter” and a visit to Grey’s Anatomy.

Nashville airs its midseason finale tonight at 10/9c, then resumes Season 4 on March 16.

Hayden Panettiere Makes First Red Carpet Appearance Since Seeking Postpartum Depression Treatment

The Nashville actress joined her fiancé, former heavyweight world champion boxer Wladimir Klitschko, on the international red carpet of the Ein Herz Fuer Kinder Gala 2015 show in Berlin, Germany on Saturday.

Dressed in a fashion forward black ensemble, complete with leggings bedazzled with a silver stud trim line down the side and sky-high black wedge booties. Despite their severe height, the boots weren't quite tall enough to match her beau's incredible height.

Her future husband opted for a dark suit and deep blue skinny tie as they cozied up to each other for photos along the red carpet.

Vitali Klitschko and Natalia Klitschko, Wladimir's older brother and his wife, later joined the happy couple for a silly group photo, Hayden throwing up a "hang loose" sign as she laughed for the cameras.

The actress' happy spirits are a positive indication of a new chapter in the blond beauty's life after E! News confirmed in October she had voluntarily sought treatment for postpartum depression following the birth of her first child Kaya in December 2014.

The actress spoke publicly of the common post-pregnancy affliction during an interview with Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa days before it was revealed she had entered into a facility.

"It's something a lot of women experience. When [you are told] about postpartum depression you think it's 'I feel negative feelings towards my child; I want to injure or hurt my child.' I've never, ever had those feelings. Some women do," Panettiere told the co-hosts.

"But, you don't realize how broad of a spectrum you can really experience that on. It's something that needs to be talked about. Women need to know that they're not alone, and that it does heal."

Congrats! Nashville's Clare Bowen Is Engaged

Bowen has gotten engaged to musician Brandon Robert Young, she confirmed on Sunday. The actress and singer tweeted "thankyou!" along with an article from Sounds Like Nashville breaking the news.

Young proposed during Bowen's set at The Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night.

clarembee : Thankyou @Opry and @theryman for last Saturday night. You've always been so special to me, and I am so grateful that it was within your hallowed walls, that my best friend, the most beautiful man I have ever known, dropped to his knee, promised me his heart, and asked for mine. I'm pretty sure that there still may be some happy tears in that third floor dressing room. Truly a night we'll never, ever forget.

Hayden Panettiere Cuts Her Hair: 'It's Like Getting Rid of Metaphorical and Literal Dead Ends'

“Chopping hair off is like getting rid of metaphorical and literal dead ends. Off with the old and growing the new ??,” she captioned the snap on her feed.

The tweet is one of the first the actress has posted since entering treatment for postpartum depression in October.

The Nashville star 26, is a mother to 10-month-old Kaya Evodokia with her fiancé, professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko, and has been very open about her struggle since her daughter’s birth last December.

During an interview on Live! with Kelly and Michael in September, she said she could “relate” to her on-screen character Juliette Barnes, who navigates her own journey with PPD in the current season of the hit ABC show.

“It’s something a lot of women experience. When [you’re told] about postpartum depression you think it’s ‘I feel negative feelings towards my child, I want to injure or hurt my child’ — I’ve never, ever had those feelings,” she shared. “Some women do. But you don’t realize how broad of a spectrum you can really experience that on. It’s something that needs to be talked about. Women need to know that they’re not alone, and that it does heal.”

And the cast of the show has been very supportive of Panettiere during her treatment.

“We have connected, and I think she’s doing really well,” Connie Britton, 48, told the Associated Press. “She’s right where she needs to be, and that’s really good, and we all support her in that.”

Panettiere stepped out publicly for the first time Saturday, looking happy and healthy as she cheered on her fiancé Wladimir Klitschko during a boxing championship in Germany. And her new do seems to be giving her a fresh outlook as well.

Connie Britton Will Be "100 Percent Onboard" for a Friday Night Lights Reunion If...

Britton, who now plays the lead on Nashville, opened up to Vulture about her role as Tami Taylor on the hit football show and admitted that she misses it despite having found success again on her country music show. And what will certainly come as amazing news to FNL fans is that when she was asked if she would ever want to do a Friday Night Lights movie or reunion she said she would absolutely be part of it, but there's a catch.

"I would, I just would. Listen, I love that world. I love those characters. I love those actors. I so understand the argument that it's already done and we ended it perfectly. I get all that," she explained.

"Yet I feel like if [director] Pete [Berg] wanted to do it, that would mean that he had an idea that was good enough and worth doing. I don't believe that he does, which is why I think it's kind of another point. But if that was the case and he had an idea and it was worth doing, I would be onboard 100 percent."

That's why Hollywood needs to get cracking on ideas! Sadly, however, director Berg already said a movie is a no-go. "There's not gonna be a movie. We talked about it, some people thought it was a good idea, some didn't," he told Collider in 2013. "I've come to believe it's probably not a good idea and I seriously doubt it's gonna happen."

Britton also expressed to E! News that year that she would definitely want to participate but admitted that her TV husband, Kyle Chandler, wasn't as enthusiastic about the idea. "I feel like he and I are sort of on different sides of the fence with the movie idea," she. "We'll see."

It looks like Chandler is getting his wish.

Hayden Panettiere's Nashville Co-Stars Show Their Support for Her Hiatus

The 26-year-old actress decided to seek treatment for postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter, Kaya, whom she welcomed with fiancé Wladimir Klitschko in December 2014. In order to fully focus on recovery, she had to take a bit of a hiatus from Nashville.

Chatting with E! News at the CMT Artists of the Year Awards on Wednesday, some of her fellow co-stars expressed their immense amount of support, but also couldn't help from showing their excitement for her return when she's ready.

"I think she seems to be doing really well, and obviously all of us are very excited for her to come back when it's time," Jonathan Jackson told us. "But I'm also really grateful that she's taking the time that she needs, and I think that that's really a wonderful example for people."

Lennon Stella reciprocated his thoughts, adding, "She's doing good! You know, she's doing what she's doing, and we're like super supportive. We haven't heard any more on when she's coming back, but she's been doing great. We've been in contact with her and she's great."

"We all support her so much, and we're really excited for her return," Aubrey Peeples noted. "But we don't have any new information yet."

Meanwhile, Hayden seems to be doing much better these days! She was all smiles as she cheered on her fiancé during his fight against Tyson Fury at the IBF IBO WBA WBO Heavyweight World Championship contest in Germany over the weekend. It marked her first public appearance since she entered treatment in October.

"It's something a lot of women experience," Hayden opened up about her struggle on Live! With Kelly and Michael at the time. "When [you are told] about postpartum depression you think it's 'I feel negative feelings towards my child; I want to injure or hurt my child.' I've never, ever had those feelings. Some women do, but you don't realize how broad of a spectrum you can really experience that on."

She added, "It's something that needs to be talked about. Women need to know that they're not alone, and that it does heal."

We are happy to see that her healing process is going well.

Connie Britton Supports Nashville Costar Hayden Panettiere During Postpartum Depression Treatment: 'She's Doing Really Well'

Connie Britton, who plays country queen (and Panettiere's character Juliette's onetime mentor) Rayna, and Jonathan Jackson, who appears as her estranged husband Avery, both spoke about the actress's progress at Wednesday night's CMT Artists of the Year awards.

"We have connected, and I think she's doing really well," said Britton, 48, told the Associated Press. "She's right where she needs to be, and that's really good, and we all support her in that."

"We've been in communication, and she seems to be doing well, and we're really excited to get back to work when the time comes," Jackson, 33, told PEOPLE on the red carpet. "My wife and I were really grateful that she took the time that she needed. I think that's a really great example for people."

Pannettiere, 26, looked happy and healthy Saturday as she cheered on her fiancé Wladimir Klitschko during a boxing championship in Germany. (Klitschko, 39, lost the match.)

The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Kaya Evdokia, on Dec. 9, 2014, and Panettiere opened up about her private battle with PPD in September, entering treatment in October.

"There's a lot of misunderstanding," the mom, whose character also has PPD, said on Live with Kelly and Michael. "There's a lot of people out there that think that it's not real, that it's not true, that it's something that's made up in their minds, that 'Oh, it's hormones.' They brush it off. It's something that's completely uncontrollable. It's really painful and it's really scary and women need a lot of support."

A source close to the show previously told PEOPLE that Juliette's heartbreaking storyline was planned long before Panettiere shared her own struggle – and production has worked around her treatment schedule for season 4.

Nashville airs Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

Ratings: Arrow Hits One-Year Highs

The CW’s Arrow on Wednesday night drew 3.6 million total viewers and a 1.3 rating, rising 33 and 18 percent from last episode’s season highs to deliver its best numbers in a year, since the first #Flarrow crossover (3.9 mil/1.4).

Leading out of that, Supernatural (2.1 mil/0.9) was up 24 percent and two tenths to deliver its best audience since Feb. 3 while tying its season high in the demo.

Elsewhere on the night:

FOX | Rosewood (5 mil/1.4) rose 9 percent and two tenths. Empire (11.5 mil/4.4) with its fall finale rebounded from its Thanksgiving Eve series lows, rising 25 and 38 percent to its best numbers since Nov. 4.

CBS | Survivor (9.4 mil/2.1) was up 16 percent and three tenths from last week’s double pump, scoring its largest audience since Sept. 30. Criminal Minds (8.7 mil/1.5) added a few eyeballs while clutching onto its series low rating. Code Black (8.5 mil/1.5) surged 29 percent and two tenths, hitting a best-since-premiere audience and tying its demo high.

ABC | The Middle (7.8 mil/2.1) was steady, Goldbergs (6.5 mil/2.0) dipped 8 percent and two tenths, Modern Family (7.4 mil/2.4) slipped 12 percent and four tenths and black-ish (5.5 mil/1.7) was down 10 percent and two tenths. Nashville (4.2 mil/0.9) ticked down to new series lows.

NBC | The Rock Center tree lighting did 8 mil and a 1.5, The Grinch grabbed 5.6 mil/1.5 and an SNL special drew 4.4 mil/1.4.

Nashville Recap: Om Made

“I love you. I’ve loved you my whole life, and I’m gonna keep doin’ that until I die.”

When whiny alt-rockers get their man-scarves in a twist: “I love you. I’ve loved you my whole life, and I’m gonna keep doin’ that until I die.”

When bratty teens suck up screen time you’d rather spend watching baby Cadence roll around in a Pack-n-Play: “I love you. I’ve loved you my whole life, and I’m gonna keep doin’ that until I die.”

When being gay becomes the only thing Will is doing on the ABC drama: “I love you. I’ve loved you my whole life, and I’m gonna keep doin’ that until I die.”

Focusing on that incantation, uttered by the First Lady of Country Music herself and directed at Deacon, allows you to treat Mr. Claybourne’s childish fit like the too-loud breathing of the person on the mat next to you at Bikram yoga: That does not help me, and so I will not acknowledge it. It allows you to look past Maddie’s raging bitchery toward poor Daphne as if it were the caw-ing of a pigeon on your windowsill: That would be annoying if I were the type to be annoyed by that. And it helps you breeze by yet another (!) instance of bra-on sex between two people who are supposed to be burning for one another: The thought of such a ridiculous thing passes in and out of my mind like a train on a track.

In conclusion: The Nashville in me bows in acknowledgement of the Nashville in you. Now let’s get to the recap of “Three’s a Crowd.”

ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW… EH, NEVERMIND | While Gunnar and Erin have been flirtily giggling their way through The Exes’ tour dates, Scarlett has been writing; she’s got seven new songs in her notebook, a fact that starts to irk her former flame. Speaking of flames: A kitchen fire in the Charlotte venue means the date gets rescheduled, so everyone on the tour has an unexpected free day. Before you can say “the world’s most tepid love story,” Scarlett is on a plane back to Music City to surprise Dr. Rand.

Problem with that, though: Caleb’s got too much going on at work to drop it all and hang out with his girlfriend. In fact, he treats Scarlett’s entire visit as though it’s a colonoscopy he scheduled six months ago and forgot to put on his calendar: necessary, but unpleasant. Even when she greets his homecoming with lots of white candles, he’s less than thrilled to have her back. (Side note: Caleb, you’re on TV — lots of white candles = sex! Are you bummed because your girlfriend, the person you LIVE with, refuses to get more naked during your alone time? I understand. And yes, I’m on the verge of making #brafreesex my Nashville crusade.)

Anyway, once Scarlett gently confronts him about how her 24 hours in town was less than magical, he immediately does that thing guys on this show do when cornered: He jumps from normal to nasty, saying his job is “real” and that he’s “not driving around, singing for 100 people a night and getting a few free beers out of it.” They don’t break up before she returns to the tour, but it’s a near thing. And when Scar rejoins the band — just after Gunnar tells Erin he’s over Scarlett, in a songwriting way or something — she looks sad.

DON’T LET THE DOOR HIT YA WHERE THE GOOD LORD SPLIT YA | Colt still won’t talk to Luke, except to be a snotty teen. Gabriella’s constant present probably doesn’t help, either, but it’s in no way the problem-causer Colt makes it out to be. When the exec brings up Luke’s imminent worldwide roll-out or whatever they’re calling it, Wheeler tries to find a little common ground with his son by saying, “Where I’m from, ‘branding’ meant taking a hot poker to a cow”… as if you haven’t been talking about putting your name on everything from microwave popcorn to incontinence pads for the last year, bro?

Luke’s attempts at father-son bonding don’t go any better once they’re home, leading Wheeler to demand that Gabriella call off the brand debut. And it doesn’t even matter, because after Colt and Luke nearly come to blows, the boy announces at the end of the episode that he’s going to live with his maternal grandfather. (Kudos to Will Chase, though, for how immediately broken Will looks upon realizing he nearly decked his kid.)

NO MONEY, ‘MO PROBLEMS | Avery is broke, and winds up having to scrap a live gig in order to sit in on a high-paying Diet Coke ad. (When do we think Emily is going to tell him that Juliette’s made contact with her?) Meanwhile, Will writes a song with Wade Cole, the singer who dodged a photo opp with young Lexington at that launch party a few episodes back. Wade claims he only did so because his wife is super conservative, but a simple Internet search reveals that the older man is a Prop 8-supporting, homosexual agenda-fearing enemy of Dorothy. And though Will seethes over Cole’s hypocrisy, in the end, he does nothing about it.

WHO NEEDS A TIME-OUT? | Maddie is mean to Daphne, and then when Daphne tries to conform to what she thinks her big sister wants, Maddie mocks her. They make up at the end, but I’m still mad at you, Maddie.

SHUT DOWN! | That brings us to Markus, who is falling in love with — and then promptly discarding — songs for his album like they’re free samples at a froyo parlor. When he meets Deacon, Markus hugs him, and Deke’s face all but screams, “Get your frosted tips off me, man.” In that twitchy, impulsive way he has, Markus suddenly decides that Deacon must contribute a song for the album. He goes out and buys everything Deacon ever recorded — on vinyl, naturally, because ugh — and Deacon’s face says it all:

But the hilarity ends when Markus changes the words to Deacon’s song… and Rayna kinda sides with the manchild instead of her man. Deacon later angrily points out that Markus is keen to shag his redheaded producer, but Rayna denies it (even though it’s totally true). In an effort to clear the air, Ray goes to Markus’ hotel room to make sure he’s aware that she’s spoken for. He answers the door bare-chested. “I just got out of the shower, sorry,” he says. “I see that…,” Rayna responds, and you know she mentally finished that thought with “…you put on jeans, a belt, those stupid beads and your Dylan McKay hooded duster but not a shirt?”

He plays it off like she’s crazy when she nicely says he’s got no chance with her — and the best part of the whole thing is how Deacon and Rayna have a laugh at Markus’ expense later, when they’ve made up and she’s reaffirmed her love for the man, the myth, the Claybourne. “He can change any damn lyric he wants,” Deke says, channeling Hamilton‘s Burr. “He can have the whole song: I got the real prize.” And then all that’s left is some in-home-recording-studio nookie!

CMT Honoring Nashville Cast With International Impact Award

The award will be presented by Kellie Pickler, star of in CMT’s hit series I Love Kellie Pickler.

Nashville cast members Connie Britton (Rayna), Clare Bowen (Scarlett), Chris Carmack (Will), Will Chase (Luke), Charles Esten (Deacon), Jonathan Jackson (Avery), Sam Palladio (Gunnar), Maisy Stella (Daphne), Lennon Stella (Maddie), and Audrey Peeples (Layla) are scheduled to accept the International Impact Award on behalf of the entire cast.

“Through their captivating characters, the cast of Nashville have become international ambassadors for our music; helping to spark Nashville’s red-hot renaissance,” CMT president Brian Philips said in announcing the honor. “With this award, we express our gratitude to a terrific group of stars for helping connect fans from around the world with our city.”

The sixth-annual CMT Artists of the Year special will feature once-in-a-lifetime performances, unexpected tributes and unforgettable toasts as the biggest stars of music, film and television gather to celebrate the five artists selected by CMT as the top artists of the year: Blake Shelton, Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan and Sam Hunt.

The artists collectively dominated the last 12 months, ruling CMT’s platforms and country radio, scoring chart-topping album and singles and selling out arenas across the nation. Additional performers, presenters and special guests will be announced at a later date.

They join an overgrowing prestigious list of past CMT Artists of the Year honorees that includes Jason Aldean (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), Kenny Chesney (2011, 2012), Eric Church (2012), Hunter Hayes (2013), Toby Keith (2012), Lady Antebellum (2010, 2011), Miranda Lambert (2012, 2014), Tim McGraw (2013), Brad Paisley (2011), Taylor Swift (2010, 2011), Carrie Underwood (2010, 2012), Keith Urban (2014) and the Zac Brown Band (2010).

Hayden Panettiere Beams During First Public Appearance Since Entering Treatment for Postpartum Depression

The Nashville star had been battling the condition since the birth of her daughter Kaya last December, openly describing it as "really scary".

But Panettiere, 26, looked like the picture of health as she sat ringside to support her fiancé, heavyweight boxer Wladimir Klitschko, as he fought to defend his world title against British challenger Tyson Fury in Düsseldorf, Germany, on Saturday.

Panettiere entered a treatment facility in October, and spoke candidly about the condition a month earlier during an appearance on Live! with Kelly and Michael.

"There's a lot of misunderstanding," she said. "There's a lot of people out there that think that it's not real, that it's not true, that it's something that's made up in their minds, that 'Oh, it's hormones.' They brush it off. It's something that's completely uncontrollable. It's really painful and it's really scary and women need a lot of support."

On Saturday, Panetierre showed off a more lighthearted side, beaming as she draped a Ukrainian flag over her shoulders in support of Klitschko, 39, while wearing a cream striped sweater with a plaid mini-skirt, black tights and cute tan fedora.

Sadly, her gesture of support proved to be in vain: her fiancé's 11-year reign as World Heavyweight Champ came to a juddering halt on a unanimous points decision in favor of the British underdog.

In an echo of Fury's unexpected pre-fight serenade to Klitschko – when he suddenly broke into an acapella version of the Bette Midler classic "Wind Beneath My Wings"– Fury, 27, stunned boxing fans across the world with a live rendition of Aerosmith's "Don't Want to Miss a Thing" after his victory.

Luckily for Klitschko, this time the target of Fury's romantic crooning was his pregnant wife Paris, who stood visibly moved in the center of the ring as her man sung the classic rock love ballad in front of 50,000 fight fans and a global TV audience of millions.

Ratings: Empire Rises, Laura Draws Largest Audience Since February

Opening Fox’s night, Rosewood (4.8 mil/1.4) ticked down in audience while steady in the demo.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

CBS | Survivor (8.9 mil/2.0) and Criminal Minds (8 mil/1.5) each dipped a tenth in the demo, tying a season low and hitting a series low, respectively. Code Black (6.5 mil/1.2) was flat.

NBC | Mysteries of Laura (7.4 mil/1.1) dipped a tenth in the demo yet drew its largest audience since Feb. 25 (when Eric McCormack guested). SVU (6.3 mil/1.4) dropped sharply from last week’s Voice-boosting outing, going from a season high to a season low in the demo. Chicago P.D. (6.5 mil/1.4) slipped two tenths to tie its season low.

THE CW | Arrow (2.6 mil/1.0) rose 12 percent and a tenth, while Supernatural (1.8 mil/0.7) was steady.

ABC | The Middle (7.9 mil/2.0) and Nashville (4.4 mil/1.0) were steady, with the latter holding onto its series low. Goldbergs (7.1 mil/2.2), Modern Family (8.4 mil/2.8) and black-ish (6.2 mil/1.9) each ticked up a tenth.

Nashville Recap: It's a Maddie, Maddie, Maddie, Maddie World

Grounding hasn’t worked. Taking away her phone hasn’t worked. And telling her that no, you may not accept Sony’s offer of a solo recording contract certainly hasn’t worked — quite the opposite. In fact, Rayna’s elder daughter is at her absolute worst in this episode, vibrating at an annoying teen frequency somewhere between Buffy-Season-5 Dawn and Game of Thrones-any-season Joffrey.

Meanwhile, in the land of people with real problems, Scarlett can’t decide if she’s more bummed about being away from Caleb or being too close to Gunnar and his sexy tech-y, Erin. Markus is making indie puppy rocker eyes at Rayna (and we all know where that’s heading). And poor Avery is slinging radio jingles and weeping onstage at The Bluebird.

Long sob story short: Chill out, Mads. And stop making Daphne feel terrible. Think you can do that while the rest of us review the highlights of “Unguarded Moments”?

A SOUND DECISION | Let’s start on the road with The Exes, whose first few tour dates have gone really well. But there’s friction: Scarlett, irked that she and Caleb can’t seem to stop playing phone tag, repeatedly implies that Gunnar is more interested in getting into Erin’s pants than in making their band a success. I’m sorry, Scar, did I hallucinate the part where you committed to this tour FIVE MINUTES BEFORE THE BUS LEFT?

Boston show! Everything’s going great until Erin, at Scarlett’s urging, ups her lady vocals so high that the board — and the crappy electrical system at the club — blows. (Side note: I’m no electrician, but that whole scenario seems rather unlikely, no?) The Exes save the night by having fans train their cell phone lights on the stage, then performing an acoustic version of “Plenty Far to Fall,” a flirty, up-tempo tune that I really like.

Scarlett’s ready to rip into Erin, thinking Gunnar won’t be able to do it, but she’s wrong: Gunny and his bouffant of disapproval make it clear that Erin’s subpar sound-tech skills have no place on the tour. Later, E swings by Gunnar’s room to apologize and to ask for help in learning how to work different kinds of sound boards. When Scarlett hears bumping and moaning coming through the wall later, I’m sure that’s just Gunnar showing Erin how to work the knobs and dials, right?

WHAT’S WILL DOING? | Avery realizes that Will is secretly writing break-up songs about Kevin. And they’re good. And because Avery has literally nothing going on except pining for his absent, soon-to-be-ex wife and punching up cheesy car-dealership jingles, he performs one of Will’s compositions at The Bluebird on Songwriter Night. The song is called “History of My Heart,” and it makes everyone in the room — including Avery — cry. A music publisher who’s in the room gives Mr. Barkley his card to pass along to the song’s creator. Maybe this is a new track for the woefully underused Will/Chris Carmack?

MAKING IT OFFICIAL | Against Gabriella’s better judgment, she and Luke start dating. She’s all, “We need to find a replacement for Juliette! We need to find a new brand manager! Those Wheelin’ Dealin’ Driveway Patch Kits and Luke Wheeler Roach Traps aren’t going to sell themselves!” But all he wants is her, damn the impropriety. Also: What impropriety? Aren’t you the boss, dude? And aren’t you two pretty much the only employees of your company? She caves very easily, but asks him to keep it quiet, saying, “I’m not exactly good for your brand.” In the what what? A hotheaded party cowboy who once drove a truck through a cake dating a classy, top-of-her game, intelligent and beautiful woman? I think it’s the other way around, mama.

Anyway, Luke tells Colt that he’s got a new honey, and the sullen teen — who continues to be messed up about watching Jeff tumble to his death — doesn’t care. I feel you, kid.

FAMILY DRAMATICS | That brings us to Maddie’s aforementioned snit, which starts with her secretly changing her hair color. Rayna finds out about the dye job after a long night recording with Markus, and when Deacon runs to the bar to help with the remodel, Ray grips her coffee pot as though that sweet bean juice is the only thing keeping her from tearing out the teen’s tresses with her own immaculately manicured hands.

It gets worse. When Maddie gets wind of the fact that Sony is interested in making her a solo artist, based on a clip of her performing with Juliette that time, she’s even more insufferable than usual. And with Deke avoiding tough times at home by immersing himself in The Beverly’s refurb job, Rayna finds herself confiding in Markus of all people. Yeah, don’t worry guys: That studio you’re sitting in only costs a bajillion dollars an hour and you’re already way over budget on this album, but by all means, go ahead and chat a while.

They commiserate about how hard it is to be famous (we get it, Nashville), and then the comforting pat he gives her hand lasts a little too long. Somewhere, Liam wraps his stupid man-scarf around his neck and nods knowingly. What is it about this woman and her effect on men in recording studios?

THE SCOWL AND THE PUSSYCAT | When Deke and Rayna are finally in a room for more than two minutes together, they agree that they have to present a united front and handle the girls together. So they do what always makes me so insane about the Maddie-parent relationship: THEY GIVE HER EXACTLY WHAT SHE WANTS by offering her and Daphne a Highway 65 recording contract. Daphne is elated, a condition Mads and her stinky self quickly defiles by saying, “The only reason she signed us was to keep me under her control.” Move over, Jimmy Shive-Overly, because Maddie is officially The Worst.

High on what they perceive as a parenting victory, Deacon and Rayna hit the sheets. At first, I think it’s going to be another Nashville classic, where they fall on the bed together and that’s all they wrote. BUT NO. We get to see the lovebirds in the afterglow, and apparently things progressed so quickly, Rayna didn’t even have a chance to take her top off. Like, Connie Britton is fully clothed from the waist up. Forget bra-on sex; this is “I could host a video conference call in this” sex. Eh, it happens. (Still hot.)

Because TVLine is an entertainment website of record, I would like to note — FOR HISTORY — that Deacon most certainly did disrobe. And more sexy stuff is on the agenda as Ray heads into the shower, but I’m pretty sure that’s tabled when her phone buzzes and Deke sees that Markus’ text implies he helped Rayna come up with her Maddie solution.

Laura Benanti's Wedding Dress: Get the First Look and All the Scoop!

The actress (who’s been sharing sneak peeks at her big day on Instagram) gave People the first look at her super-romantic gown, an Alençon lace strapless dress by Anne Barge, which she picked out at N.Y.C.’s Mark Ingram Atelier.

“I went with my mother to look for my dress,” Benanti tells People. “It was the third dress I tried on and I immediately started crying — happy tears. I looked at my mom’s face in the mirror and she just nodded. We both knew it was the one. I have been a long time fan of Anne’s and she has been so generous and lovely to work with.”

And if she needed any further proof that this dress was it? “Zoom in on my mothers face!!” Benanti says about the photo below.

Says Barge about Benanti, “Laura is exactly the type of bride that inspires me. She is a timeless beauty with a vibrant spirit. I was thrilled to have her in my gown and wish her and Patrick a lifetime of happiness together.”

The dress had a slightly dipped back with a flowing skirt and satin sash, and she played up the romantic vibes with half-up glossy waves created by Charles Baker Strahan, who wove a delicate leaf-embellished wreath into her strands.

And husband Brown matched her for style in his Billy Reid tux. “My tux search was super easy,” he says. “Billy Reid makes some of the coolest stuff and my jacket had foxes on it. Foxes! Enough said.”

Brown also was in charge of the rings, selecting her lovely yellow-gold halo-set diamond from Lori McLean in N.Y.C. “I’ll let Patrick tell you about the ring shopping experience,” Benanti says.

“The ring shopping was a blast!” Brown says. “Laura had no idea about the engagement timing so I enlisted the help of her sister, Marielle. I have known her sister for almost ten years and that is how Laura and I met. She is one of my favorite people in the world and I was lucky to have her help with the process.”

On the day of, “Marielle and I met up in the Lower East Side at Lori McLean,” he says. “Her stuff is super unique and incorporates a vintage feel, which I knew Laura wanted. We instantly felt like we were in good hands with her. Her shop just has a warmth about it and makes you feel like that love and care is going into the jewelry you choose … I was thrilled with the final ring!”

Benanti’s wedding band came from Lori McLean as well, and Brown found his ring on Etsy. “I wanted something unique for myself … The ring is a custom wood/zirconium combo from WedgeWood Rings. There is redwood on the inside of my ring and it is super light and fun. They were very accommodating in getting us the ring so quickly. I actually ordered a backup ring just in case the ring didn’t arrive. Spoiler alert: it arrived!”

The couple also welcomed showbiz pals, including Jesse Tyler Ferguson (a friend from Broadway), Connie Britton (Benanti’s Nashville co-star) and Julie White (a castmate from Benanti’s former show Go On). And because no one — not even celebrities — can resist a good photobooth, well, you can see what happened above.

Oliver Hudson and biological dad reunite after ‘Abandonment Day’ post

“It actually started a dialogue,” the actor told Andy Cohen of the now-famous Instagram post – an image of him and his sister as children with their father he captioned “Happy abandonment day…” – on Tuesday’s episode of “Watch What Happens Live.” “I haven’t talked to my father in 12 years. In my sort of dark, crazy sense of humor, I posted this ‘Happy Abandonment Day’ thing, which, you know, everyone went crazy about. I was just trying to be funny.”

Oliver was quick to point out that things aren’t perfect between the two, but that they’re getting better.

“At the end of the day it was a good thing. We’re communicating now. I had an amazing three-hour conversation with him. We’re texting and we’re trying to see each other. We might be mending something,” the 39-year-old “Scream Queens” star explained.

In the wake of the post, Oliver’s biological father, musician Bill Hudson, said that Oliver and Kate were dead to him.

“I had five birth children and I now consider myself a father of three,” he said in June. “I no longer recognize Oliver and Kate as my own. I would ask them to stop using the Hudson name. They are no longer a part of my life. Oliver’s Instagram post was a malicious, vicious, premeditated attack.“

Oliver and Kate’s stepfather, actor Kurt Russell, tried to smooth things over in July, saying that things between his stepson and Bill had improved.

“I understood Oliver’s sense of humor and since then, there’s been some nice back and forth between Bill and Oliver that’s nice to see,” the “Hateful Eight” star said.

Nashville's Scout Taylor-Compton Talks 'Bumpy' Tour for Erin & The Exes

Nashville‘s newest romantic triangle — former lovers Scarlett and Gunnar, plus Gunny’s new guitar-tech girlfriend Erin — hit the road on tour in this Wednesday’s episode (ABC, 10/9c). Scout Taylor-Compton, who plays the no-strings-attached, free-spirited Erin, says her character is blissfully unconcerned with the havoc her presence creates for the duo.

“Gunnar’s trying to move forward, as Scarlett has, and Erin’s a won’t-take-s—t kind of girl,” Taylor-Compton tells TVLine. “She doesn’t really feed into that kind of drama… She doesn’t know what she’s getting herself into.”

Erin’s prime directive (“to get Gunnar to loosen up a bit,” per the actress) seems to irk his pixie-haired former girlfriend — who, it should be noted, has devoted Dr. Caleb waiting for her at home. Add in the fact that The Exes are at the very beginning of a long outing, and…

“It’s going to be a really bumpy tour,” Taylor-Compton says.

Speaking of long hauls, Taylor-Compton’s path to a role on the country-music drama has been years in the making. The Gilmore Girls alum auditioned for Season 1, then later on for the role of Layla (which eventually went to Aubrey Peeples).

“I am not new to ABC,” she says, laughing. But the wait was worth it. “Erin is me,” she adds. “They really write for you. And I kept all my tattoos and my piercings, my edginess, myself and my goofiness.”

Part of the audition process included singing, so don’t be surprised if Erin grabs one of those six-strings and rocks out in the future.

“I am on quite a few episodes this season. Erin’s staying,” Taylor-Compton says. “You’re going to get to know her. You’re going to see her and Gunnar’s relationship bloom.”

Supergirl's Laura Benanti and Patrick Brown are Married

The actress and her new hubby announced the nuptials via Instagram on Monday and have since shared a slew of pics as "Mr. and Mrs. Brown."

"Today she becomes my wife. I'm super excited! #GetDownWithMrAndMrsBrown," Brown captioned an Instagram photo on Sunday.

He later captioned another photo of the two holding hands (with Benanti's ring and band on full display), "#after #GetDownWithMrAndMrsBrown."

Benanti reposted the photo and soon graced her more than 30,000 Instagram followers with her own sweet post-wedding snap.

"Mr. And Mrs. Brown," the 36-year-old actress wrote alongside a photo of the newlyweds wearing similar "hubby" and "wifey" t-shirts.

The couple announced their engagement back in June with an Instagram pic of the two smiling as Benanti showed off her sparkling mega-carat ring.

Brown posted the engagement photo to Instagram with the caption "She said yes!!! Happiest and luckiest guy in the world."

He later tweeted, "@LauraBenanti belongs to nobody…but she's also off the market. Sorry fellas. In love and feeling very blessed today."

Benanti was previously married to musician Chris Barron and actor Steven Pasquale.

‘Nashville’s’ Clare Bowen cut her hair to send a message

“When I was four years old, I asked my mother; ‘Are there heaters in Heaven?’ I had just been diagnosed with end stage nephroblastoma, after several visits to a GP who denied anything was wrong and dubbed my parents ‘paranoid,” she writes. “I’d overheard the doctors telling my family that the only hope of saving me, was an experimental treatment that might kill me anyway. But without it I had maybe two weeks left. The hospital was cold. I’d never felt air conditioning before.”

During her time in treatment, Bowen became very familiar with the other children going through something similar.

“We were mostly bald, all tubed, taped, bandaged up and stitched back together. We were all missing parts, some obvious like eyes or legs, others more hidden, like lungs and kidneys,” she says. “Those who still could, tip-toed around like little fairies because chemotherapy had destroyed the muscles in our legs and it hurt to put our heels on the floor. But we were all together, so no one’s appearance came into question. No one got laughed at or teased. We were all we knew.”

Now as an adult, after beating cancer, Bowen can’t help but to look back on that time in her life. “I was really inspired when I heard a story about a little girl who said she couldn’t be a princess because she didn’t have long hair, and I wanted her, and others like her to know that’s not what makes a princess, or a warrior, or a superhero,” she explains. “It’s not what makes you beautiful either. It’s your insides that count … even if you happen to be missing half of them.”

Her message is imploring people to simply “Look deeper than skin, hair, nails, and lips. You are who you are in your bones. That is where you have the potential to shine the brightest from. It is where your true beautiful self lives.”

Finally, she ends on a note of gratitude, thanking everyone involved for helping her make the choice — from “Nashville” creator Callie Khouri and ABC to her family.

“If it makes even one person think twice about judging another, then in some small way, the world is better,” she says. “Self-esteem takes a lot longer to grow back than hair.”

Ratings: The Voice Special Helps Lift SVU to Season High

SVU in fact drew its best non-crossover rating since its September 2014 season opener.

Closing NBC’s night, Chicago P.D. (6.8 mil/1.6) enjoyed its best audience of the season and a six-week high in the demo.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

FOX | Rosewood (5.2 mil/1.4) ticked down a tenth, tying its series low. Empire (11.1 mil/4.2) dipped 5 and 9 percent to its lowest tallies since Season 1’s third and second episodes, respectively.

THE CW | Arrow (2.3 mil/0.9) slipped 11 percent and two tenths, while Supernatural (1.7 mil/0.7) ticked up.

CBS | Survivor (9 mil/2.1), Criminal Minds (8.4 mil/1.6) and Code Black (6.9 mil/1.3) each rose a tenth, with Code Black drawing a best-since-launch rating.

ABC | The Middle (7.6 mil/2.0), Modern Family (8.1 mil/2.7) and black-ish (6 mil/1.9) were all steady, while Goldbergs (7 mil/2.1) and Nashville (4.6 mil/1.0) each dipped a tenth, with the latter tying its series low.

Nashville Recap: On the Rocks

If Nashville‘s Deacon wanted to become a small business owner, any/all of these would’ve been a far smarter investment than his current obsession: being an active proprietor in a bar.

As the saying goes, if you don’t wanna slip, don’t walk where it’s slippery. And for a recovering alcoholic, it’s hard to think of a more treacherous icy patch than a building full of booze you already own.

Yes, I’m aware that the entire endeavor is a tribute to his late sister. But the point Rayna makes in this week’s episode is a good one: Nowhere in the “One day at a time” mantra is there an asterisk that says *unless you really think you’ve kinda sorta got things under control.

In other Music City news: Juliette finally has a come-to-Jesus moment and Will and Avery are my new favorite couple. Read on for the highlights of “Can’t Get Used to Losing You.”

FAREWELL, FORDHAM | The morning after Jeff’s death, Juliette has no recollection of being on the roof the night before, a fact she angrily reminds anyone (the cops, Luke, Gabriella) who asks. And the fact that Colt swears he saw everything that went down between the petite blonde and her smirky turtle of a manager is tempered by the fact that the teen was very, very drunk at the time.

Meanwhile, Layla gets treated terribly by Jeff’s bitchy sister, Kate, who’s the human incarnation of Scrubbing Bubbles: efficient at cleaning up messes, but also incredibly caustic. “My brother never mentioned your name,” Kate swiftly informs Layla before adding that she’s not welcome at the funeral.

A LONG WAY DOWN | Back in Nashville, Wheelin’ Dealin’ Records prepares the most perfunctory of tributes to Jeff for the beginning of that night’s show. But even then, Juliette is under the impression that she spend the night in her hotel room — and even nastily turns down Layla’s request that Ju use her star power to reach out to Jeff’s family on her behalf. “The best way for you to get over him is jus to pretend that they two of you never happened,” Juliette advises, and I don’t really like Layla much but damn, Jujubee. That was cold.

It’s not until Colt barges into Juliette’s dressing room, demanding that she admit what really happened, that Ju remembers everything. She gets so upset that she mumbles her way through the tribute and then locks herself in her dressing room right before her set; Layla seizes the opportunity to go out and do an acoustic set in honor of Jeff, singing a lovely, teary ballad while bookended by giant photos of the Turtle on the Jumbotron. And a crying Juliette finds Luke and confesses what she now remembers: “I tried to kill myself. Jeff died trying to save me.”

Next thing you know, Gabriella is checking Juliette into a posh rehab center in the middle of the night. “Are you ready?” the rep asks Ju. “No,” she replies, walking into the facility.

BAR FOR THE COURSE | Deacon brings Rayna to Frank’s watering hole and treats it like it’s a huge surprise. “It’s my bar,” he announces, and Rayna’s face says, “Well that’s convenient, because I’d like to order a double shot of NOPE.”

“You’re going into business with your sponsor? Is that a thing?” she later asks, still conveying “This is a terrible idea” with every ginger molecule of her being. Deke says no, he’ll get a new Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor, and isn’t this all just great? He’s got plans to make The Beverly another Bluebird-type of venue, especially given that Frank is a singer, as well.

Eventually, Ray flat-out tells Deacon that she thinks it’s a bad idea for him to enter into a business partnership that puts him within arms’ reach of liquor at all times. He counters that he would never waste Beverly’s ultimate gift by using it to strain cocktails outta his blood stream. He’s close to tears as he leaves to play The Beverly, but he shakes it off to perform a rollicking tune called “Like New.”

Later, bucked up by Bucky, Rayna comes to the bar and apologizes, saying that she believes in Deacon. “Nothing’s ever gonna keep me away from you. If this is what you want, I’m going to do everything I can to support you,” she adds. Still, when they hug, she looks dubious as to whether she can keep that promise.

SHORN FREE | Looking for a new start, Scarlett cuts off all her hair and decides last-minute that she’s going to tour with Gunnar. When Noel snarks that her new ‘do doesn’t jive with the band photos printed on the merch, she shoots back, “Feel free Apparently, what Scar was hiding under all of that hair was a boatload of sass.

Caleb seems resigned to Scarlett’s busy life (though I’d argue that if your DOCTOR boyfriend can put his phone away for an hour or two, Scar honey, you can, too.) And when Gunnar gets Erin — with whom he’s still sleeping — a gig as the tour’s sound tech, all the final details are in place.

BABY & BLUES | Will’s entire episode, summed up in a sentence: “Kevin broke up with me and I am sad. GRR.” Avery’s entire episode, summed up in a sentence: “My marriage is ending and I am sad. SOB.” And when the two commiserate late one night, Will’s gentle friendship completely breaks Avery, who starts sobbing at the table. Like, high-pitched, collapsing-face sobs. And later, when the guys go up to sing to little Cadence, I’m the one who’s in the fetal position. Though, side note: What adult in his or her right mind would have a full-on conversation mere inches from a baby that just fell asleep?!

So Sneaky! How Nashville's Charles Esten Reveals How He Pulled Off a Surprise Party for His Wife

Nashville star Charles Esten, who plays country crooner Deacon Claybourne on the ABC show, pulled off the ultimate surprise party for his wife Patty Hanson back in March. Just how did he do it? By pretending they were attending another obligatory celebrity event.

"She was completely overcome. She had no idea," Esten told PEOPLE at the Second Harvest Fashion Show in Nashville. "I made her think we were coming to something like this … she drives in here and we pull right up to the front door and instead of everybody [on a red carpet], they said 'Surprise!' and it was her party."

The bash took place at the Sylvia Roberts Estate, which is also used in Nashville as the home of star Rayna Jaymes (Connie Britton. It should come as no shock that Esten would go to great lengths to keep his college sweetheart happy – after all, she's his biggest fan.

"My wife and I have been married 23 years, so I was her heartthrob long before I was anybody else's," he told PEOPLE in May. "People come up and say, 'I'm your biggest fan,' and I appreciate that and I'll never argue, but in my head I go, 'Nope. My wife is.' "

Let's all say it together: Awwwww!

‘Nashville’s Scout Taylor-Compton: Erin shakes Gunnar up ‘in a really good way’

Zap2it: Tell us about your character, Erin.

Scout Taylor-Compton: She’s a very confident girl, very comfortable in her own skin and feisty. She’s a roadie, that’s how they meet, and things heat up really fast. She’s an all around fun and adventurous girl.

How is it playing a character that is such a free spirit?

I’m actually a lot like Erin when it comes to relationships. It needs to be fun, and free, and not be expecting anything in the beginning. Gunnar is so worried and uptight, and it’s really good to have a character that’s kicking him and saying it’s okay to make mistakes and have fun and not think about things too much. She shakes him up in a really good way.

How is it filming those love scenes? Things get steamy…

When I first go on to “Nashville,” the first scene we had was at the one at the stadium when we made out. It was like “Hi! I’m just about to grab you and make out with you!” [laughs] But Sam’s now a buddy. And he’s so awesome to work with and he made me so comfortable. We have similar personalities in that aspect, and we like to make each other as comfortable as possible.

Does your family or boyfriend watch the show? Do you make them avert their eyes during these scenes? Or yell at them, “Don’t watch!”

All of the above! Actually, my boyfriend is a drummer in the band in the Haim, and they were opening for Taylor Swift, who played in Nashville. Sam is a really huge fan of Haim, so they got tickets for Sam. Now, they’re friends!

Does your character sing? Or will she?

As of now, no, but I would love to. I just got into the whole music thing, and Nashville, as a city, is surrounded by music and it has inspired me so much. Hopefully, I cross my fingers that Erin will play somewhere and sing. I play some drums, and guitar. I did the movie, “The Runaways,” I played Lita Ford, so I had to learn guitar.

Have you been to Nashville before?

No. My mom actually raised me on country and my first concert was Tim McGraw, so I have always wanted to go to Nashville so bad. I was addicted to “Nashville” the series, the first season, it was like my guilty pleasure, and I was like I want to be on that show so bad! And now every time I go there, it’s just breathtaking. The stages that they build on location are breathtaking. They are the real deal. I’m blown away how real everything looks.

What can you tell us about Wednesday’s (Nov. 11) episode, “Can’t Get Used to Losing You”?

From last week, Erin was leaving Gunnar confused with what the relationship was and so I think Erin is still going to confuse Gunnar a lot. There’s gonna be a lot of playfulness with them and they’re going to grow closer.

Do you know if Erin is sticking around?

The writers work really hard, and everything is constantly changing. We’re all given the script right before shooting an episode, so we never know if we’re going to be in the next episode, but for now, Erin is sticking around. It can only grow bigger and stronger, with drama, and not drama … you’ll have to see!

How Nashville Will Move on After That Shocking Death (But Is there Another One on the Way?!)

Nashville fans were left with the jaws on the floor when Jeff (Oliver Hudson) died at the end of the Oct. 28 episode, falling to his death after preventing Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) from jumping off a roof. Even more surprised by his grisly end than the ABC drama's viewers? Hudson's co-stars, including Aubrey Peeples.

While Peeples knew Hudson would be leaving the show (due to his commitment to Fox's Scream Queens), she had no idea his exit would be so shocking. "I did not know they were going to murder him so brutally, or kill him so brutally," she told E! News at the JCPenney CMA Style Suite. "It was definitely a shock. I was very surprised. It was an interesting shoot, and I think it turned out well. We're all really sad about it though."

And on-screen, Peeples' character Layla will arguably be grieving the death of Jeff the hardest.

"It's just devastating," she previewed of the fallout for Layla in tonight's episode. "It's a big episode for me. She writes a song, so you'll see a lot of new music about it...her pouring her feelings into her music."

And Peeples is excited for fans to see more music from Layla on the show, saying, "I'll have more music than ever. It's really good. [Layla] drops a new album and starts working on another one. I think she's going to grow as a musician, and she's depends on all these different relationships for such a long time, I think she's going to grow into her own a bit." Peeples also teased, "There's going to be more romance for sure."

Fortunately, Peeples told us that Nashville is probably done with its major deaths for the season after Jeff and Beverly (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson), saying, "[Jeff's death] was probably the most traumatic of the year. I can't imagine we'd have another one, because we already had Beverly die, so that's two. We're normally at two a season."

Phew!

Nashville airs tonight at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Steve Kazee Cast As Recurring

Ten years ago, Riff was a country music star at the top of his game: No. 1 hits, platinum albums and sold-out tours. At the time, this good old boy from Arkansas enjoyed the thrills of fame – partying and women – and acquired a legion of loyal fans, captivated by his genuine sound and authentic storytelling. However, everything changed when Riff met Heidi, a Southern beauty with a budding musical career of her own. He fell head over boots in love and chose what none of his contemporaries was willing to do – leave it all behind – farm over fortune, the family over fame. Riff and Heidi would join the show’s leading music couple, Rayna (Connie Britton) and Deacon (Charles Esten).

Nashville is in production on its fourth season, filming around star Hayden Panettiere, who has been getting treatment for postpartum depression. The series, from Lionsgate TV, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment, follows the lives of a group of recording artists in the cutthroat music industry.

Kazee won both a Tony (leading actor in a musical) and Grammy (best musical theater album) for his performance in Broadway’s Once. His other Broadway credits include Monty Python’s Spamalot (Sir Lancelot), To Be Or Not To Be, Edward Albee’s Escape and The Subject Was Roses. He currently appears on TNT’s Legends and Showtime’s Shameless. Kazee is repped by ICM Partners and D2 Management.

African kids 'Sing' in uplifting fashion

Premiering exclusively at USA TODAY, the new trailer for the documentary Imba Means Sing (available on digital platforms and in select New York and Los Angeles theaters starting Dec. 4) shows the journey of members of the African Children's Choir from the poor parts of Africa where many of the kids call home to stages across the USA. The movie follows three Ugandan children in particular — Angel, Nina and Moses, the group's 8-year-old ace drummer — as they correspond with family back home, raise money to fund their education and dream of a better life for them and their loved ones.

Country singer Big Kenny and actresses Connie Britton and Carla Gugino are among the group's advocates who appear in the documentary, and all of the filmmaker profits will be donated back to the Grammy-nominated choir.

‘Nashville’ Creator And ‘Thelma & Louise’ Scribe Callie Khouri Signs With UTA

Khouri, who made her feature directing debut on Divine Secrets Of The Ya-Ya Sisterhood and followed with Mad Money, had been repped by CAA.

She continues to be represented by attorney Alan Wertheimer.

‘Nashville’ Boss On Latest Tragic Twist & Filming Without Hayden Panettiere

An already dark beginning of Nashville’s fourth season got even darker last night with the tragic death of Oliver Hudson’s scheming Jeff Fordham as he tried to save Juliette from jumping off a ledge. The accident comes as Scarlett and Deacon are still reeling from Beverly’s death. Six episodes in, Juliette’s life is spiraling out of control following the birth of her baby, Avery is mourning the end of his marriage, and Will too is falling apart following his coming out. In an interview with Deadline, Nashville executive producer/showrunner Dee Johnson indicates that the tragic streak on the show may be coming to an end. She talks about the decision to kill off Jeff after letting the show’s top villain redeem himself this season and about the repercussions of his death. (Hudson started on Nashville as a recurring and was promoted to a regular before returning to recurring status this season as he signed on for Fox’s Scream Queens). Johnson also addresses the challenges of filming the series without one of its stars, Hayden Panettiere, who took a leave to get treatment for postpartum depression, and the similarities between the actress’ struggles and those of her Nashville character.

DEADLINE: How and when did the idea about Jeff’s death come about?

JOHNSON: We knew we were likely going in this direction by the end of the last season.

DEADLINE: Was Oliver Hudson’s segueing to recurring status part of the exit plan for his character? Was the death a creative decision or a way to accommodate an actor who has other commitments?

JOHNSON: His becoming a series regular on Scream Queens limited the amount of episodes in which he could appear on our show.

DEADLINE: Were other, non-lethal options considered for his character?

JOHNSON: No, we wanted to evolve Jeff by having him actually find happiness – in both love and career. We wanted him to seemingly have it all, to have grown enough as a human being to care about a desperately lost Juliette, even though he was no longer her manager. We wanted this character who was widely viewed as a villain, to go out in an unexpectedly heroic way.

DEADLINE: This season already had been very emotionally charged and heavy, it may be Nashville’s darkest one yet. Can you talk about that?

JOHNSON: Well, it’s always darkest before the light.

DEADLINE: What will be the repercussions of Jeff’s death for those around him: Layla, Juliette, Luke?

JOHNSON: Big ramifications for all three, both professionally and personally.

DEADLINE: Will the jolt help bring Juliette back from the brink?

JOHNSON: It’s definitely the worst sort of wake-up call.

DEADLINE: The storyline of Juliette’s postpartum emotional struggles plays eerily realistic. Was it informed by Hayden Panettiere’s real-life issues?

JOHNSON: Absolutely not. We incorporated Hayden’s pregnancy into the storyline last season, but we knew Juliette would have issues with motherhood and had always planned for her to struggle with her demons afterwards, including postpartum depression.

DEADLINE: How are you proceeding with filming the season without Hayden? Have you had to adjust storylines?

JOHNSON: It’s not the entire season, it’s just for now. And yes, we’ve had to make adjustments but it’s not uncommon for shows to have to make such accommodations when real life intervenes.

Ratings: Chicago P.D. and black-ish Rise Opposite World Series, GOP Debate

Opening the Peacock’s night, Mysteries of Laura (6.4 mil/1.1) was steady.

CNBC’s coverage of the third GOP debate drew around 11 million viewers, while Fox’s World Series Game 2 telecast averaged 12.6 mil and a 3.5 (per fast nationals).

Elsewhere in the ratings….

ABC | The Middle (7.3 mil/1.9), The Goldbergs (6.9 mil/2.1) and Nashville (4.1 mil/1.1) all were steady in the demo, while black-ish (6.1 mil/1.9) ticked up in both audience and the demo.

CBS | Survivor (8.4 mil/2.0) dipped 8 percent and a tenth, Criminal Minds (7.7 mil/1.6) dropped a few eyeballs while steady in the demo and Code Black (6.1 mil/1.1) slipped 14 percent and a tenth.

THE CW | Pending inevitable adjustment due to a Chicago Bulls preemption, Arrow (2.8 mil/1.0) is currently up 17 percent and a tenth while Supernatural (2.3 mil/0.9) is currently up 44 and 50 percent.

Nashville Recap: Well, We Didn't Quite See That One Coming

Nope, Jeff Fordham was the hour’s casualty, falling from the roof of a hotel in the process of saving a drunk and drugged Juliette from committing suicide.

It’s been a while since the ABC drama surprised me; I think maybe the last time was when Rayna showed up on Deacon’s doorstop to declare her love in Season 1. But Jeff’s death — though it makes sense, given Oliver Hudson’s Scream Queens gig — took me unawares and set up an interesting situation for Juliette moving forward in the season.

Will the tragedy (and the investigation into it) sober Juliette to a place where she realizes she needs help? Or will it push her farther down her ever-steeper spiral and create even more distance between her and Avery?

I truly don’t know. But I’m looking forward to finding out. Read on as we review what befell everyone (too soon?) in “Please Help Me I’m Fallin’.”

JU’S DARKEST HOUR | Fresh off a crying jag as she realizes that Avery is really done with her, Juliette contacts his lawyer and agrees to all terms — which, as you’ll recall, involves relinquishing all rights to Cadence. She arrives in the Atlanta hotel lobby with her hood pulled up and her big shades on, giving off waves of “Don’t eff with me” that ricochet around the room. Too bad a fan doesn’t pick up on Ju’s vibe; when the woman tries to take a selfie with her, Juliette knocks her to the ground and straddles her torso, clawing at her like a hungry walker until Jeff pulls her off and hauls her up to her room.

After brokering a small quid pro quo — if Jeff can make the public-relations disaster go away, Gabriela will recommend for the CEO gig at Luke’s company — Jeff goes after Juliette with some real talk. But he’s as mean as he is truthful, and the fact that she drunkenly throws herself at him and scratches his neck as he pushes her away makes the scene even harder to watch. “No wonder Avery left you,” the Smirky Turtle says, his voice dripping with disgust as she snivels on the couch. “What a waste.”

Meanwhile, back at home, Avery sees a news story about Juliette’s attack and wonders if he should contact her. Will and Gunnar advise him not to, and SHUT UP, GUYS.

IT’S BEEN HANDLED | So Jeff pays off the fan to hold a press conference saying she’d provoked Juliette’s violent outburst, and Luke is so impressed that he takes Gab’s advice and hires Jeff to start his “lifestyle brand.” (Side note: What the heck does that mean, exactly? Is Luke trying to be the next Gwyneth? Is he putting together a GOOP-like newsletter? And if so, may I humbly pitch a few ideas? “The 12 Private Jet Hacks You Must Try,” “The Best Cake Recipes for Ramming With a Pickup Truck — Two are Gluten-Free!” and “Goatee Steaming for the Novice.”)

Layla is happy for her man. Though the new gig means losing Jeff as her manager, it also means he’ll be able to move her into his place when they get back to Nashville. And damn it if the pair of them aren’t cute about the whole thing. (Though she also notices the wounds on his neck, and knows Juliette gave them to him, which I’m sure will be important in the future.)

LATER, SMIRKY TURTLE | After Layla leaves Luke’s rooftop party, Jeff catches sight of Juliette wobbling her way to the edge with a vodka bottle in her fist. He has no idea she’s taken every single pill in her possession — both by swallowing and snorting — and has nearly pickled herself with all the alcohol she can find.

(Meanwhile, back in Nashville, Avery receives Juliette’s text — “I’m sorry” — and taking Glenn’s heartbreaking advice from earlier in the episode, deletes her number from his phone. Sob.)

When Jeff’s verbal attempt to stop his client from swan diving into an Atlanta sidewalk don’t work, he makes a move to grab her and pull her away from the edge. But there’s a slight tussle, and as she falls backward onto the roof… he topples over the edge and falls to his death.

And Colt, Luke’s son, sees the whole thing from his balcony.

TERRIBLE TEENS | Let’s move on to the episode’s other bit of unpleasantness: Maddie. She’s still grounded after taking the stage with Juliette in the previous episode, and Rayna decides to confiscate the teen’s phone so she can’t call or text Colt. The kids’ last conversation goes something like this (and reinforces my bad feeling from last week): HIM: “She doesn’t know, does she?” HER: “Know what? That I love you?” Hmm…

But Rayna apparently thinks it’s totally within the bounds of Maddie’s grounding to bring her (and Daphne) to a rehearsal with an increasingly needy and bossy Markus Keen. After declaring that Rayna should be his producer — and then just as promptly deciding that she doesn’t understand what he wants for his new sound — Markus is thisclose to leaving Highway 65. But then Rayna has Maddie sing her stripped-down version of his song (Daphne declines, citing some residual mean-girl mojo left over from the talent show), and Markus acts like the teen changed his damn life with her (admittedly beautiful) voice. “Girl, you unlocked it,” Markus says. (Side note: Ugh.) “Can we go home now?” Daphne says, unimpressed. Oh D, I feel you.

VAYA CON DIOS, BEV | In Natches, Deacon and Scarlett attend a memorial service at the lounge where Beverly sang each Sunday night. The event provides closure for both; as Scarlett sings a tune her mom performed to close each show, Deke imagines his sister singing it. The whole thing is shot really nicely, by the way, giving Dana Wheeler-Nicholson a goodbye that isn’t all ghosty and shifty. On the ride home, Deacon calls his sponsor, Frank, and tells him he wants to buy into the bar Frank owns. Oh, and he wants to rename it The Beverly.

ROOMMATE DRAMA | Will and Kevin break up after Will has an awkward moment with a male fan and uses it as a reason he should’ve never come out in the first place… Gunnar and guitar-tech Erin have bra-on sex — seen only on TV! — but she wants very little to do with him until it’s time for her to crash again for the night. “What is this?” he asks a little sheepishly as she heads for his bedroom. “Fun,” she says, at the exact same time I say, “Free lodging.”

‘Nashville’ Casts Jessy Schram In Recurring Role

Nashville is currently in production on its second season, filming around star Hayden Panettiere, who is getting treatment for postpartum depression. The series, from Lionsgate TV and ABC Studios, follows the lives of a group of recording artists in the cutthroat music industry, is in. Connie Britton stars on the music drama, which has attracted a slew of celebrity guest appearances since it premiered in 2012, including Christina Aguilera, Florida Georgia Line, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Brad Paisley, Luke Bryan, Wyclef Jean, Robin Roberts, Katie Couric, and Conan O’Brien.

Schram, repped by Sanders Armstrong Caserta and CESD, also recurred on Mad Men and Once Upon A Time, among others.

Ratings: Fox's Empire Enjoys Its First Season 2 Uptick

Prior to this week, the returning megahit had experienced four straight episodes of declines.

Opening Fox’s night, Rosewood (5.2 mil/1.5) added a few eyeballs as well as a tenth in the demo.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

CBS | Survivor (9 mil/2.1) and Criminal Minds (8.3 mil/1.6) each dipped a tenth, with the latter hitting a series low, while Code Black (7 mil/1.2) was steady.

NBC | Mysteries of Laura (6.6 mil/1.1) rose a tenth, SVU (6.3 mil/1.5) was flat and Chicago P.D. (6.2 mil/1.4) dipped a tenth.

THE CW | Arrow (2.4 mil/0.9) ticked down just a bit, while Supernatural (1.6 mil/0.6) slipped 16 and 25 percent.

ABC | The Middle (7.1 mil/1.9) and Nashville (4.5 mil/1.0) each dipped a tenth, Modern Family (7.7 mil/2.7) and black-ish (5.8 mil/1.8) were steady and The Goldbergs (6.5 mil/2.1) rose a tenth.

Nashville Recap: Glower Records

Now, because I’m fairly certain you’re made up of 60 percent eyeliner, 30 percent questionable facial hair and only 10 percent brain matter, I will explain this to you slowly, in terms you can understand: I don’t care that Nashville is telling us you’re some kind of alt-rock god; how about you alt-er your attitude and collaborate with the producer Rayna thinks is great for you and whom, may I point out, you chose?

And honestly, your rockstar preening is tiresome, given how much actual drama takes place in this week’s episode. The probably loss of virginity! The realization of terrible error! The dissolution of marriage! (That last one stings the worst, doesn’t it?) Let’s get to it, then, and recap the events of “Stop the World (and Let Me Off).”

RUDE AWAKENING | Juliette wakes up sticky-eyed and bleary, which is She Who Shall Not Be Named’s cue to hand the star some pills. In the bathroom, Ju realizes she is on the Elvis Presley Express to Dying on a Toilet, and flushes the meds. (Side note: My feelings during this scene are simultaneously 1) impressed by Hayden Panettiere letting the show’s make-up team make her look so strung-out and 2) bummed about what a tough time she’s having in real life with this stuff.)

Juliette gets a little lift from Maddie, who has accompanied Colt and Luke to Georgia for the Atlanta stop on the tour. Maddie is freaking because she kinda does/kinda doesn’t want to have sex with Colt, so she finds Ju backstage and admits she sometimes wonders: “What would Juliette do to make herself feel better?” Sorry, Mads, but I don’t think “vodka and sobbing” is the route you wanna go.

Ju tries to be helpful, bringing Maddie out on stage to sing “Telescope” with her. I know I’m supposed to think that Juliette is being irresponsible and all, but I’m just so psyched that we’re hearing some Season 1 J-Barnes girl-pop that I’m going to overlook it. Unfortunately, Luke’s eyes Luke’s eyes Luke’s eyes are like a telescope — and he sees all and reads Ju the riot act later. Don’t play mama to Rayna’s daughter, he warns her, “just because you’ve abandoned your own.” Juju, you’ve been wheelin’ dealin’ SERVED.

Oh, and while you both were having that little interaction? Maddie and Colt probably had very unsatisfying first-time sex in a tour bus. Quick question: To whom must I pray in order to avoid a teen-pregnancy storyline?

CLOSURE | Rayna urges Deacon to go help Scarlett clean out Beverly’s place in Natchez, Miss., and he does. Everything about their tenure there is sad, from the way they’re still so mean to each other at first to Scarlett getting leave-your-purse-at-the-bar drunk to Deacon finally apologizing to his niece for being so hurtful. He adds that he realizes she made the right choice in taking her mom off life support. “I’m just sorry I wasn’t strong enough to make it with you. I’m sorry I wasn’t there,” he says, and I hope those ugly couch cushions of Bev’s double as flotation devices, because now Deke and Scar are hugging and crying and it is getting soggy in there fast.

BAD TIMES FOR THE BARNES-BARKLEYS | Speaking of road trips, Will and Kevin hit the highway to hear Luke’s first performance of sing a song they wrote, and Gunnar comes along for fun. Gunny unlocks a new level of dorkiness in this hour and I’ve gotta say: I really enjoy it. First, he thinks he has a “spark” with Emily at the house, but Will shoots that idea down hard: Dating your roommate’s nanny is almost as bad an idea as dating your own nanny. Then, while trying to introduce himself to a lovely guitar tech backstage at the concert, Gunnar inadvertently blurts out that he and Will once kissed. (Side note: Kevin’s reaction is amazing.)

When Juliette sees Gunnar, she demands intel on Avery, but he can’t figure out why she wants it when she didn’t care that Cadence was in the hospital the night before. In that moment, Ju comes to terms with the fact that she’s surrounded herself with asshats, and confronts BFFdemort about the previous evening’s call. “Are you the stupidest person alive?” Ms. Barnes asks her new assistant (Ha! And also: Yes!) just before she fires her — and also terminates the employment of Gunnar’s guitar tech, just because she happened to be in the room and snickered. So guitar tech lady literally runs to Gunnar, grabs him by the belt buckle and pulls him into an empty room… earning her a ride back to Nashville with Gunny and the guys.

And Juliette? She jumps on her jet and rushes back to Music City, where she’s so happy to see Avery (whom she sent a tentative — and unreturned — text earlier in the episode). But after a day of waiting on Markus’ undisciplined butt, only to get fired three notes into trying to produce him, Avery is done. He’s signed the divorce papers and he’s offering a deal: Juliette can spin the story any way she wants, but he needs her to terminate her parental rights to Cadence. “I can’t have her grow up thinking she can depend on her mother when we both know she can’t,” he says, dry-eyed, giving her his lawyer’s card and 24 hours to make it so. Man, the way Ju tries to physically keep her hold on him — and the way that desire is not returned — for most of this scene is tough to watch. Nice work on both Panettiere’s and Jonathan Jackson’s parts.

BACK-TO-BACK BRATS | Also landing in Nashville, right about now: Maddie, who is back to being the worst after a brief respite of acting like a normal human person. Rayna is highly displeased that the teen directly disobeyed the rules and got up on stage to perform, and she’s apoplectic that Maddie thinks Juliette is a role model.

It’s too bad, too; the rest of Rayna’s day was spent shepherding an initially pissy Layla through writing a song about Jeff… who seems to want to be CEO of Luke’s brand or something corporate-speaky like that. But is he as willing to abandon Ms. Grant as he makes it seem?

Spooked-Out Siblings: Oliver Hudson Reveals His and Sister Kate's Very Theme-y Halloween Plans

The Nashville star said at the Veuve Cliquot Polo Classic in Pacific Palisades, California, on Saturday that for his and Kate's annual Halloween party, his attire of choice is usually in the hands of his sister.

"Halloween is a family favorite," Oliver told reporters. "My sister and I have a party, usually every year, that I don't pay for. I make my sister pay for it. But it's always the epic party, and everyone goes all, all out. I can't wait for Halloween."

The 39-year-old dad said Kate typically decides on a theme for the party, and he mostly tries to "play within the theme."

"And sometimes I go outside of it," he admitted. "It just sort of varies. But if I have an idea, I will pursue that idea, aside from the theme. She's a hot, little number, and she's going to do things that are going to make her and her friends look as sexy as can be. So it's always like, airline stewardesses, or there was a Game of Thrones theme where they were all like Khaleesi. So there's been many, many themes."

This year's subject? The actress hasn't decided if she'll even have a party yet, so Oliver is already brainstorming his own special look.

"I want to do a full prosthetic like fat suit, to where no one even knows who I am or recognizes me throughout the entire party," he said.

‘Supergirl’s Mom Laura Benanti Flies From CAA To UTA

Benanti, a Tony-winning actress (for Gypsy) is also set to return to Broadway in 2016 with the Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of the musical She Loves Me, opposite Zachary Levi. And she’s releasing her first book of comedic essays through St. Martin’s Press next year. Recently she finished playing Sadie Stone in Season 3 of ABC’s Nashville.

She continues to be repped by Emily Gerson Saines at Brookside Artist Management.

Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Powers Boothe Books 'Incredibly Menacing' Arc

Specifically, Boothe has been cast as Gideon Malick, an “incredibly menacing” mystery man who “even the stone-cold Grant Ward would fear,” Marvel TV boss Jeph Loeb told Marvel.com. “Only someone of Powers’ caliber could deliver the type of ominous and powerful performance we needed.”

Boothe’s previous TV credits include Nashville, 24 and Deadwood, while his “super” resume includes playing a member of the World Security Council in The Avengers and voicing Gorilla Grodd and Lex Luthor in animated DC Comics projects.

Ratings: Empire Slips for Fourth Straight Episode

Opening Fox’s night, Rosewood (5 mil/1.4) slipped 14 and 12 percent.

Elsewhere in the ratings….

CBS | Survivor (9.1 mil/2.1) ticked up, while Criminal Minds (8.9 mil/1.7) and Code Black (6.9 mil/1.2) stabilized.

NBC | Mysteries of Laura (6.9 mil/1.0) and SVU (6.2 mil/1.5) each dipped a tenth, while Chicago P.D. (6.6 mil/1.5) was steady.

THE CW | Arrow (2.5 mil/0.9) slipped 7 and 18 percent (but is up 6 and 13 percent versus last season’s Episode 2), while Supernatural (1.9 mil/0.8) dipped a tenth.

ABC | The Middle (7.1 mil/1.9), The Goldbergs (6.4 mil/2.0), Modern Family (7.8 mil/2.6) and black-ish (5.7 mil/1.8) each dipped a tenth, while Nashville (4.6 mil/1.2) ticked up 5 percent and two tenths.

Nashville Recap: The Wages of Grief

If you’re new to Nashville, you might not know that Deacon once had the cutest dog in the world, but he gave it away to a perfectly good ex whose biggest flaw was that she wasn’t Rayna. That dog’s name? Sue — a nod to Mr. Johnny Cash.

And while I’m sure Deke saved himself a lot of besmirched carpets, way-too-early morning walks and chewed furniture, he also denied himself — and all of us! — the special cuddly comfort a pup provides during rough times.

Like when your sister dies after donating you part of her liver.

And you can’t bring yourself to let your lady help you feel better, no matter how hard she tries.

And even your old failsafe, an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, isn’t enough to help you sort through your conflicting emotions.

Pooch snuggles may not be the cure for what ails ya, but they certainly don’t hurt, is all I’m saying. And they’re certainly better than putting your hand through a mirror.

Read on as we recap the action in “”The Slender Thread That Binds Us Here.”

PUT DIRT ON MY GRAVE JUST YET | Beverly’s graveside service is as depressing as you’d imagine, with a newly returned Zoey singing “Precious Lord Take My Hand” a capella and Deacon pretending to ignore Scarlett. On that note: Good literal grief, Scar — could you not ditch the chunky hemp necklace for this one occasion? I have no idea why that thing is always around your neck — maybe you pinky-swore your camp bestie that you would wear it until it fell off or something (Cabin 6 forever!) — but it always pulls my focus. How about you take a note from Rayna, whose grief-hat game is on point? And that’s a good thing, too, because she has to step up and finish the eulogy when Deke is so overcome he can’t go on.

The post-funeral goings-on, summed up succinctly: Scarlett approves of Will’s coming out, Zoey is seeing someone in Los Angeles, Markus Keen calls Rayna to say he’s arriving earlier than expected, and Gunnar’s hair somehow gains three inches of man-pouf between the start of the scene and its conclusion.

A NEW LOW | Irked that Juliette has missed three press opportunities due to her hard-living-life-hating ways, Jeff all but drags her out of bed and demands that she allow a reporter to shadow her for 48 hours. “Get it together and show ’em how amazing it is to be you,” he barks before taking off for Nashville.

I’ll give it to JuJu: She planks like a boss and looks like a goddess while the journalist watches her every move, but the intense scheduling and constant scrutiny take their toll. Pretty soon, she’s asking New BFF Who Is Such a Terrible Person I’m Not Going to Name Her, Like Voldemort, for a little chemical assistance.

Cut to Juliette popping Adderall, then combatting it with sleeping pills and booze, then almost losing her stuff when a radio DJ shows her a gossip rag’s photos of Avery, Emily and Cadence sitting on a blanket in a public park. “You lying bitch!” Juliette screams into poor Em’s ear, via phone, the first chance she gets. “You’re just a golddigging, backstabbing whore!”

Eventually, New BFFdemort fetches a doc to inject Juliette with — I don’t know, horse tranquilizers? — so she won’t feel anything. And that’s when Avery calls with the news that Cadence is in the E.R. with a high fever, but New BFFdemort isn’t real clear with the message on either end, so Ju doesn’t know her daughter was in danger and Avery thinks his wife doesn’t care about them anymore. (Side note: In light of the recent news about Hayden Panettiere, it feels a little icky to watch this storyline unfold, no?)

NOT SO KEEN ON MARKUS | Smirky Turtle Jeff (nearly sans shell!) and Layla lie in bed together chatting about her upcoming Grand Ol’ Opry debut. She frets that Markus’ arrival as a Highway 65 artist will push her farther down Rayna’s list of priorities, but Jeff — I know, I can hardly believe I’m about to type this, too — is a supportive voice of reason when he reminds her that “a rising tide raises all ships.” Then he gives her a pair of snazzy new cowboy boots, and it’s actually a little… cute?

Layla kills it at the Opry, but her success is later marred when Markus Kanyes his way onto stage while she and Rayna are chatting with the crowd. He’s like, “Imma let you finish, but…wait, actually? I’m not.” Layla storms off, but no one notices; Rayna does a playful duet with him but later tells him usurping the spotlight “was a little uncool.” He apologizes, then asks that Avery — whom he met earlier, thanks to Big Red — become his producer. This seems like an appropriate time to note for the record that Markus seems like the biggest d- to ever bag in Music City, and that’s grading on the Liam Man-Scarf Curve. And from Rayna’s face as he leaves her dressing room, she’s thinking the same.

Meanwhile, Will comforts a crying Layla by telling her “It’s all right to be happy with what you’ve got, even if it ain’t perfect.” Aww, that was basically the tagline of their sham-marriage reality series! Later, she apologizes to Jeff, who kisses her right there in front of everyone… including a wary Bucky.

GUNNAR DE BERGERAC | Caleb wants to be there for Scarlett, but he’s suddenly all awkward about it, and she tells Zoey that being with him is like “hugging a textbook.” So he writes a poem and takes it to Gunnar for some songwriting help. Gunnar uses the words as the basis for a ditty that proves Caleb’s love and support for Scar — watch out, Caleb: If things continue apace, you just might wind up crooning a Civil Wars cover next to Gunny at The Bluebird while Watty holds his phone up in awe.

Scarlett is impressed that Hot Doc went to such lengths to help her, so they have grief sex and she laments losing not only her mom, but Deacon, too.

DEACON IN THE DUMPS | I wish I could say that Scarlett is overreacting, but Deacon truly isn’t giving an inch in his you-killed-my-sister stance. His anger boils over in even the smallest moments, such as when Rayna’s talking about what to make for dinner. “I sure as hell don’t want to eat some damn funeral casserole,” he spits, and I know you’re hurting, honey, but THAT BAKED ZITI DID NOTHING TO YOU.

He goes to a meeting and gets a new sponsor, but he’s still in such bad shape that he trashes Beverly’s room — while Maddie watches — and admits that he really wants a drink (though, thankfully, he doesn’t have one). At the end of the hour, Rayna holds him close as he grits out how furious he is. Beverly never gave up, he says, but “Scarlett gave up.” And though I want to violently shake some sense into him, even in his grief, we’re going to have to leave it there for this week.

Hayden Panettiere’s Postpartum Storyline on Nashville Was ‘Planned Long Before’ She Sought PPD Treatment

When news broke on Tuesday that the actress is entering treatment for postpartum depression, Nashville fans found the storyline quite familiar: Panettiere’s character on the ABC hit, new mom Juliette Barnes, is facing a similar struggle.

Season 3 ended with Barnes throwing a snow globe past husband Avery Barkley (Jonathan Jackson) and baby Cadence during an emotional outburst, and season 4 began with the country star partying on the road, without much thought for the family she’s left behind.

But a source close to the show tells PEOPLE Barnes’ storyline was “planned and started playing out long before” Panettiere, 26, revealed she was seeking treatment herself.

“The groundwork for the postpartum storyline began way back last season [before Hayden gave birth],” explains the source.

Panettiere, who is mom to 10-month-old daughter Kaya Evodokia with her fiancé, professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko, has been open about her health issues since her baby girl’s birth last December.

“Women need to know that they’re not alone, and that it does heal,” the actress said while promoting her show on a September episode of Live! with Kelly and Michael.

“There’s a lot of misunderstanding — there’s a lot of people out there that think that it’s not real, that it’s not true, that it’s something that’s made up in their minds, that ‘Oh, it’s hormones.’ They brush it off. It’s something that’s completely uncontrollable. It’s really painful and it’s really scary and women need a lot of support.”

She recently told Australia’s TV Week. “Unfortunately, I experienced postnatal depression. You’re just miserable to be around. It’s really scary and lonely … I just thought, ‘Does this mean there’s something wrong with me?’ ”

“I was moody and sad and had these overwhelming feelings of doom,” continued Panettiere, who has been leaning on Klitschko as she seeks help. “He’s been very supportive… He loves his little girl. He’s a sucker, as all dads usually are!”

Nashville production is working around Panettiere’s treatment schedule as the show continues filming season 4.

Nashville's Hayden Panettiere Takes Medical Leave, Production 'Adapting'

On Tuesday, People.com reported that the actress “is voluntarily seeking professional help at a treatment center as she is currently battling postpartum depression.” According to a Nashville insider, Panettiere was about to start work on Season 4’s ninth episode (slated to air on Nov. 18). It remains unclear if the show will temporarily write out her character, Juliette, or postpone filming of her scenes until she returns.

“It’s a fluid situation,” says the source. “But production continues.”

Panettiere gave birth to daughter Kaya last December.

Hayden Panettiere checks into facility for postpartum depression similar to her ‘Nashville’ character

“Hayden Panettiere is voluntarily seeking professional help at a treatment center as she is currently battling postpartum depression,” a rep for the actress says in a statement to Us Weekly. “She asks that the media respect her privacy during this time.”

Just last month, Panettiere was doing a media tour and telling outlets like “Live! With Kelly and Michael” that she “can very much relate [with her character Juliette],” adding, “It’s something a lot of women experience. When [you’re told] about postpartum depression you think it’s ‘I feel negative feelings towards my child, I want to injure or hurt my child.’ I’ve never, ever had those feelings.”

The former “Heroes” actress gave birth to her child Kaya in December 2014.

On Saturday (Oct. 10), the actress tweeted a message that had sounded like positive news, but she hasn’t posted since Saturday. “Feeling like I’m finally coming back to my own body,” she wrote with the hashtags #daughter and #wellworthit.

Ratings: Arrow Hits Best Premiere Number Since Series Launch

Among Arrow’s premiere audience, 2.58 million have serious agita about that final scene.

Leading out of that, Supernatural drew 2 mil and a 0.9, down from last year’s premiere (which did 2.5 mil/1.1 on a Tuesday, leading out of The Flash’s boffo debut) but up from its finale (1.7 mil/0.7) and improving on The 100‘s year-ago post-Arrow premiere (1.6 mil/0.5).

Elsewhere….

FOX | Rosewood (5.7 mil/1.7) slipped 8 and 15 percent, while Empire (13 mil/5.0) dipped 5 and 9 percent.

CBS | Survivor (9 mil/2.0) and Criminal Minds (8.9 mil/1.7) each slipped 15 percent in the demo, while Code Black (6.8 mil/1.1) dropped 21 percent in audience and 27 percent in the demo.

NBC | Mysteries of Laura (7.1 mil/1.1) dipped one tenth, while SVU (7 mil/1.5) and Chicago P.D. (6.5 mil/1.5) each slipped two tenths.

ABC | The Middle (7.2 mil/1.9), The Goldbergs (6.6 mil/2.1) and Modern Family (7.9 mil/2.7) all slipped 10 percent or more, while black-ish (5.9 mil/1.9) rose a tenth and Nashville (4.4 mil/1.1) was steady.

Nashville Recap: Sob Story

Yes, the aneurysm that closed out the last episode left Scarlett’s abusive mama/Deacon’s spiteful sister/Rayna’s jealous hater hitching a ride on the gleaming Greyhound to the great beyond. Only problem is, in the same way Bev never knew how to exit an argument gracefully, her brain-dead body hasn’t gotten the memo — creating drama, strife and freefloating sadness for her daughter and brother (and those who love them).

Which leads me directly to some real talk for Rayna’s man: Deacon Edward* Claybourne, don’t you dare use this tragic life event as a reason to push Rayna awayna. Cry it out, journal your feelings, punch a pillow and use your words — but do not shut Big Red out of your emotional turmoil. Ray’s shoulders are slim but strong; lean on them as needed.

Now that we’ve got that straight, and because Juliette’s situation isn’t getting any better the longer it sits, let’s recap what happens in the tear-soaked “How Can I Help You Say Goodbye?”.

*Not his real middle name… at least, I don’t think it is…

GOODBYE, BEV | There are a bunch of characters worth pity in this episode, chief among them Beverly’s poor doctor who tries to convince Deacon and Scarlett that she’s not going to wake up. Man, that guy is patient! He suggests that what appears to be a spontaneous inhalation on Beverly’s part is just a reflex, but Deke isn’t hearing it and Scarlett literally runs out of the room and into Hot Doc’s arms as she — aka the one with her mom’s medical power of attorney — tries to figure out how to proceed.

When nothing else works, Scar heads to the hospital chapel, where Gunnar finds her forlornly sitting at the piano, literally singing a sad song. She runs to him and sobs; he tries to find a place to pat on her back that’s not covered by storybook-long blonde hair. (Seriously: Someone get me whatever vitamins Clare Bowen sucks down every morning.)

Eventually, Scarlett takes her uncle aside and tells him she’s decided to have her mother disconnected from the machines keeping her alive. Deacon loses it — and, judging by the way Charles Esten is pretty much real-crying instead of primetime-soap-crying here, I’m guessing this was a tough scene to get through. Scar asks her uncle to be there at noon the next day to say goodbye to his sister, and though Rayna tries to convince him to put aside his objections and make some peace, he chooses to go to Bev’s room at his place and weep on her bed. (Side note: Has anyone checked on Esten lately? Because that level of laid-low looks like it hurt.)

I DON’T GIVE A DAMN ‘BOUT MY BAD REPUTATION | During some downtime on a tour stop in Indiana, Juliette latches onto Luke. First they take a few laps around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but pretty soon they end up at a bar that Ju fills with her fans (thanks, Twitter!). And of course there’s a live band, so she gets up and performs Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” with abandon, then joins the crowd in urging Luke to take a verse. He’s all, “No, I couldn’t possibly, no no really” and then all of a sudden, he’s got one foot up on the monitor and Rent’s Roger is in the house!

It’s all fun and crowd-surfing until the joint gets too crowded for safety, and Luke has to remove Juliette from the premises in a gear case. Or, as she puts it, “You had to sneak me out in a box?” Count your blessings, honey: We know as well as you do that the moment you woke up in Luke’s hotel room and saw his stupid trucker hat on the nightstand, you feared that you’d been wheeled and dealed by the man himself. (I mean, given your nearly uniformly terrible choices when it comes to older men — well, men in general — I can’t blame you.) But no, Luke just knows a hot mess when he does a few laps around a major racetrack with it, and he offers up the sad story of his first marriage as a cautionary tale.

A LINE CROSSED | As fun as it is to watch Will and Gunnar juggle a cranky Cadence while Avery rails at Juliette’s stonewalling tour manager, there’s no denying that the Barnes-Barkley union is fraying faster than a cloth diaper snagged on a washing machine agitator. So when Avery stashes Cadence with Emily — who’s inexplicably still on Juliette’s payroll — we know he’s going to see his lawyer for divorce papers. All Avery wants is full custody of the ridiculously cute little bub; but later, when he’s listening to the lullaby he and JuJu recorded in the hospital after their daughter was born, he’s unable to go through with signing the papers… for now.

TEDDY’S READY TO TELL THE TRUTH | After Daphne gets suspended for fighting at school (defending her dad’s alleged honor), Rayna decides it’s time for Maddie and her sister to see their pop for the first time since he was thrown behind bars. The visit is tough to watch; the return, when Rayna and the girls make nice with Teddy and he cries as he tells them that he’s going to plead guilty because “action have consequences” is even harder to get through. It is around this point in the hour that I wonder whether Nashville writer Debra Fordham (who penned the episode) is legitimately trying to kill us via ocular dehydration.

“WILL LEXINGTON: GAY COWBOY” | Look at the subhead at the beginning of this line; I would watch the hell outta that show, wouldn’t you? (Are you listening, spinoff gods?) Anyway, Will is angry because Kevin’s gay songwriter friends want him to use his newfound gayness for good instead of hermitty seclusion, but he just wants to pump the brakes a bit (not a euphemism) and love Kevin. “Can that be enough for now?” he asks, and Kevin is touched and kisses him yes.

Ratings: Empire Experiences Its First Significant Slip

Fox’s Empire, which last week returned down juuuust a hair from its Season 1 finale, this week drew 13.7 million total viewers and a 5.4 rating, slipping 15 and 19 percent.

But sill — big numbers. Make no mistake.

Opening Fox’s night, Rosewood (6.2 mil/1.9) was down 17 and 20 percent from its debut.

Elsewhere….

CBS | Survivor (9.3 mil/2.3) dipped from its season opener, while Criminal Minds (9.9 mil/2.0, average reader grade of “B”) dropped 15 and 26 percent from its previous premiere (which didn’t battle Empire), yet was up a tick from its May finale. Code Black debuted to 8.5 mil/1.6, up from CSI: Cyber‘s most recent performance in the time slot but down from Stalker‘s year-ago launch (9.1 mil/2.0).

NBC | Mysteries of Laura (7.2 mil/1.2) was steady, while SVU (6.8 mil/1.7) slipped 18 percent and one tenth. Chicago P.D. returned to 6.7 mil/1.7 (and an “A” grade), down from its previous premiere (8.6 mil/1.9) — which didn’t have a lead-in that was up against Empire — but delivering its best non-crossover rating in a year.?

ABC | The Middle (7.9 mil/2.2) ticked up while The Goldbergs (7.4 mil/2.3) dipped; Modern Family (8.6 mil/2.9) and black-ish (6 mil/1.8) slipped 9 and 25 percent in the demo, respectively. Nashville (4.8 mil/1.2) was steady.

Nashville Recap: Guilt, a Gut-Punch, a Hasty Getaway and Guyliner

Yet sadly, that’s the state in which Juliette finds herself in this week’s episode, as the blonde bombed-shell heads home to Nashville unsure whether her husband and baby will take her calls, much less take her back. And things look really good for the Barnes-Barkley family… until they really don’t.

Lest you think the hour is a downer, let’s talk some high points: Rayna signs a major name to her label (at the expense of an artist she already has), Scarlett decides that home and Caleb are more important than touring and potential fame (though Hot Doc later outs himself as not the most supportive of boyfriends) and Beverly fully wakes up and stays awake (just long enough to make us feel bad when she flatlines again at the end of the episode).

OK, so maybe this isn’t the most uplifting of episodes. Er, Layla sings a pretty song? Gunnar achieves maximum altitude with his rockabilly ‘do? That’s all I got, folks. Read on as we review “‘Til the Pain Outweighs the Shame.”

ROADKILL ON HIGHWAY 65 | Guilt is still leading Deacon to spend his nights at the hospital rather than worshipping at the Sacred Temple of Our Redheaded Priestess, where he belongs. Rayna says she misses him. “I miss you, too, baby,” he replies all low-like, pulling her close, and it’s totally normal to have your insides turned to melted butter by a fictional character, right?

Deacon leaves anyway, just in time for Rayna to get to a meeting where a potential Highway 65 artist drops his record deal like a leaky Hot Pocket right outta the microwave: As politely as possible, he makes it clear that he doesn’t want to be associated with a vanity label that can’t hold onto its artists.

It doesn’t help that the one artist Rayna has who’s actually working on music and not causing trouble by freaking out over a photo shoot (more on that later) is also the one she keeps skipping out on. Poor Layla gets stiffed by Ms. Jaymes not once but twice in the episode, the second time at a tastemakers concert at The Bluebird. (Side note: Layla kills it with her soft-n-sad girl rock. “Makes No Sense At All” is a really lovely tune — not that Jeff hears it, so tied up with Juliette’s nonsense is he this whole episode.) Chin up, Lay: At least you’ve got an enthusiastic fan/potential manager in Glenn, who shows up for your set, gives you a heartfelt compliment, leaves you with his card and probably won’t try to bone you. Bonus: Having him represent you will make Juliette so mad.

ONE STEP FORWARD, TWO DRINKS BACK | Then again, Ms. Barnes is drunk so often lately, I wonder if she’d even notice. Jeff counsels Juliette to make things right with Avery, because they’re heading back to Nashville for her album release party, and it’ll look weird if her family’s not there to celebrate the occasion. But when Avery brings Cadence to their house — following Jeff’s advice to touch base with his spiraling wife — it’s full of inebriated idiots and he’s pissed.

“Is this who you are now?” he demands as she hastily kicks everyone out. She tearfully apologizes that all of her success “doesn’t mean anything without you,” and Hayden Panettiere kills it as she hesitantly asks to hold her own daughter. You break my heart girl, you really do. Meanwhile, little Cadence’s face is all, “Who dis?”

Things go fine right through Ju’s party, at which Cadence screams through her mom’s live number — Avery, take that baby outside! — and Juliette is flummoxed by a diaper blowout. Stars, they’re just like us! She winds up leaving the party without telling her hubby (something about him assuming he was going on tour with her might’ve been to blame), ditching her cell at home and having Jeff get her a new number that no one (read: Avery) has. Not good, Jujubean. Not good at all. Also? That must’ve been one hellacious diaper.

IN WHICH RAYNA GETS HER MEN | After Maddie and Daphne perform a song by their favorite, recently broken-up band Boulevard at the school talent show, Rayna is hot to sign the band’s lead singer, Markus Keen. Bucky says the guy’s an alt-rocker who’ll want nothing to do with country; plus, he’s got so many people, getting a meeting with him is near impossible. Oh yeah? Next morning, Rayna sidles into the seat next to Keen’s on a flight and by the point the drinks cart has come around a couple times, she’s got a verbal agreement that he’ll join Highway 65.

She’s elated; Bucky, less so: Keen wants complete creative control and his asking price basically will clean out all the money left from Juliette’s departure. (Man-scarves and guyliner don’t come cheap, y’all.) But Rayna’s got no reservations. “Make that deal, Bucky,” she says, then arrives home pleasantly surprised to find Deacon in her bedroom. They purr at each other a little bit, he pushes her back onto the bed and you’d best light a candle, because I do believe services at the temple are about to start up again. Hallelujah!

ELSEWHERE IN MUSIC CITY | Luke hires a public relations consultant to advise him, and he heeds her counsel and drops Will from Wheelin’ Dealin’ Records. “It ain’t personal,” Luke says. Maybe not, but I’m fairly certain it’s not legal, either.

In other news, I’m not going to deal with Gunnar’s ridiculousness over some tour art that he thinks makes him and Scarlett look like a couple, but I will point out that Hot Doc doesn’t seem to have much confidence in Scarlett’s ability to make a career of singing and songwriting. But all of this is moot, however, because The Exes’ tour seems inconsequential when Beverly’s heart stops while Scar is in her room at the end of the episode. Good thing you made those apologies earlier, Bev, because it looks like you may not get another shot.

Nashville Actor Nick Jandl Is Engaged to Regalia Thomas!

Nashville's Nick Jandl is engaged to wardrobe stylist Regalia Thomas, E! News can exclusively reveal. The two celebrated their engagement at a private house in Los Angeles, where they posed for several gorgeous photos. Both the future bride and groom glow as they pose for their celebratory pics, which also show off Regalia's huge ring!

Nick and Regalia met in the summer of 2010 at the behest of their mutual friend Mike Doyle, despite Nick being a New England Patriots fan and Regalia a New York Giants fan. The two agreed to meet on a blind date at their friend Lenore Douglas, who is now serving as the co-matron of honor. Adorably, Nick arrived nervous, but Regalia almost didn't show at all! Thankfully, she turned up at dessert, and only then did they exchange a few awkward words.

The pair parted ways in the driveway after a "weird half-kiss/hug goodnight." It couldn't have been too uncomfortable, though, as they proceeded to go on 10 dates in 11 days! As they write on their wedding website, "Guess we should seen the marriage thing coming."

The two are set to tie the knot in Malibu, Calif., on June 4, 2016.

Congratulations to the happy couple! We're wishing you all the happiness in the world!

Castle, Nashville Latest ABC Series to Adopt Extended Winter Break Plan

Castle, which in recent years has only taken five or six weeks off in the winter, this season will air its fall finale on Nov. 23, then not resume Season 8’s 22-episode run until early February, TVLine has learned. This marks the first time since Season 2 (its first full season) that the procedural has not aired an original in January.

Similarly, Nashville, which last winter broke for a series-high eight weeks, will take an even longer holiday this time around, though exact fall finale/return dates for the country-fried drama are not yet available.

Filling the series’ respective Monday and Wednesday time slots during the long break will be holiday programming and specials and, in some situations, limited series yet to be announced. (In May, ABC president Paul Lee indicated that Season 2 of Secrets and Lies will inhabit Nashville‘s slot.)

For Castle fans the wait for February could feel particularly long. Because in the wake of the two-part premiere’s final twist, “Things are going to constantly evolve [for Rick and Kate], and by the time we get to the end of our fall finale, which will be Episode 8, there’s another shift and change that’s incredibly dynamic,” co-showrunner Terence Paul Winter said.

With Castle and Nashville on board, every returning ABC fall drama now is following the “gap” scheduling plan that was designed to deliver more continuous stretches of original episodes (and thus temper ratings erosion) and was first braved by Once (which last winter was on hiatus for 11 weeks), Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder (10 weeks each) and S.H.I.E.L.D. (12 weeks).

“Pieces” of Chris Carmack

Jazz, blues, country, rock, soul — the man can sing and play it all. And now, we’re getting a chance to hear this musical diversity firsthand with his new EP Pieces of You, which drops this December.

Though the greater world knows him for television roles like hot country star “Will Lexington” on Nashville and “Luke Ward” on The O.C., the Washington, D.C., native says he was a musician first.

“Music came first, before the acting,” he reveals.

Long before, apparently. As a child, Carmack played saxophone and was a member of the jazz band in high school. It was also around this time in Carmack’s life that he discovered theatre, which took to him NYU, Los Angeles, and even London after graduation.

But through it all music remained a constant in his life, and it’s still a great comfort to him in many ways.

“I find that when I write songs, oftentimes it’s therapeutic,” he says. “It’s an exploration of myself and either what I’m going through or what someone close to me is going through.”

Spoken like a true songwriter — which is a fair statement. Carmack wrote each of the five tracks on his EP by himself.

The title track, “Pieces of You,” is now available for download. (http://chriscarmackmusic.com/)

Tomorrow night, Carmack is back on the small screen in an all-new episode of Nashville on ABC.

Laura Benanti opens up about miscarriage in touching blog

“When my fiancé, Patrick, and I first saw and heard our little peanut’s heartbeat, a wave of love washed over me that I had not known was possible,” Benanti writes, going on to say that happiness was short-lived because by the next day she had miscarried.

“No more heartbeat. Our miracle was over.”

The “Nashville” actress goes on to explain that she suddenly started hearing from women she knew, saying that miscarriages are so common.

“If this is so common, then why do we only speak about it in whispers, if we speak about it at all?” she writes. “If this is so common, why does it feel like the Voldemort of women’s issues?”

Benanti says her purpose in writing this article is to let women know they are not alone.

“This is not your fault. You did nothing to deserve this, or make it happen. You can grieve for as long (or as short) a time as you need,” she says. “You are allowed to talk about this (or not talk about this) with whomever you want. You, and only you, will know when the clouds have passed.”

She ends by saying she’s holding all the women in her heart who are out there and have experienced this kind of loss. Head on over to HuffPo to read the entire piece.

Nashville Casts Gilmore Grad as 'Hipster' Love Interest, But for Whom?

Or Avery. Or Luke. (And don’t even think about it, Deacon.)

Scout Taylor-Compton, whose many TV roles include that of Dean’s little sister on Gilmore Girls, is joining the cast in the recurring role of Erin, TVLine has learned exclusively.

Per the official character description, Erin is a 20-something “east Nashville hipster” sound engineer with a bit of ink and no desire to commit to anything — a dude, a house, whatever — because her “free spirit” dictates how she lives her life.

She’s sure to catch someone‘s eye, but for now, the ABC drama isn’t telling.

Taylor-Compton’s resume also includes stints on Major Crimes, NCIS: Los Angeles, Bones and Charmed, among other series. She also played Laurie in Rob Zombie’s 2007 remake of the classic horror flick Halloween and its sequel.

Hayden Panettiere Opens Up About Postpartum Depression: It ‘Needs to Be Talked About'

“I can very much relate. It’s something a lot of women experience. When [you’re told] about postpartum depression you think it’s ‘I feel negative feelings towards my child, I want to injure or hurt my child’ — I’ve never, ever had those feelings. Some women do. But you don’t realize how broad of a spectrum you can really experience that on. It’s something that needs to be talked about. Women need to know that they’re not alone, and that it does heal,” Panettiere, 26, said during a Monday appearance on Live! with Kelly and Michael.

“There’s a lot of misunderstanding — there’s a lot of people out there that think that it’s not real, that it’s not true, that it’s something that’s made up in their minds, that ‘Oh, it’s hormones.’ They brush it off. It’s something that’s completely uncontrollable. It’s really painful and it’s really scary and women need a lot of support.”

She adds, “Women are amazing. We do something that no man can do on this planet. I mean, we grow a human being in our body!”

While the actress praises women for being able to give birth, she jokes that she wishes that her fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, 39, could “figure out a way to get pregnant.” Better yet, she admits he would “absolutely” go through with it.

“When I was pregnant, he would do this thing where he would suck in his stomach and then I would put my stomach to his so that he could feel when she was moving, almost like she was in his stomach,” explains Panettiere, who welcomed her daughter, Kaya Evdokia, with the professional Ukrainian boxer in December 2014.

“He wanted to feel what it was like to have a baby as close to him as it was to me.”

As for the bond between Klitschko and their 9-month-old baby girl, Panettiere shares the two are “inseparable.”

Over the summer, the happy family took a vacation to France, Germany and Klitschko’s native Ukraine, where Kaya was baptized. Sadly, Kaya didn’t think the moment was as special as the rest of the family.

“This kid loves water. She’s never cried anytime we’ve put her in the shower or the bath or the ocean — she loves swimming. Of course, the one time we need her to not cry … the priest dipping her into the holy water and this kid is just wailing,” Panettiere says with a laugh. “All the pictures — beautiful pictures, everyone is all dolled up and she’s like, “Ahhhh!!’ ”

And when Mom and Dad didn’t come to the rescue, Kaya took the situation into her own hands — literally.

“At one point [the] priest takes a little bit of her hair and cuts it — it’s part of the tradition — and she was like, ‘Honey, you take my hair, I take yours,’ and she took his beard [and yanked],” says Panettiere. “My husband still has the [priest’s] beard hair, which is about this long. She’s a fighter.”

Panettiere is looking forward to adding to her brood, but she’s not ready to make a final decision on exactly how large her family might one day become.

“I would love to have a big family. I always said four, but I’m not gonna speak too soon. One at a time,” the proud mama shares.

Hayden Panettiere Wants to Have Four Kids, Wishes That Wladimir Klitschko "Figured Out a Way to Get Pregnant"

The Nashville actress and her fiancé Wladimir Klitschko welcomed their firstborn daughter, Kaya, in December 2014. Over the summer, the family traveled to France and Germany, "and we spent some time in Ukraine," Panettiere recalled on Live! With Kelly and Michael Monday. "Kaya got introduced to her other native country. We did her baptism there, and that was one of the most incredible parts."

Kaya's baptism didn't go smoothly, however. "This kid loves water. She's never cried anytime we've put her in the shower, the bath or the ocean. She loves swimming. And of course the one time that we need her to not cry is the priest dipping her into the holy water, and this kid is just wailing. All the pictures are these beautiful pictures and everyone's all dolled up and her head is covered and [she screamed]," Panettiere said. "The priest, at one point, he takes a little bit of her hair and cuts it—it's part of the tradition—and she was like, 'Honey, you take my hair, I take yours.' She took his beard and yanked. My husband has the beard hair."

Panettiere "would love to have a big family," but she's not putting the cart before the horse. "I always said four, but I'm not going to speak too soon. One at a time. I mean, I would love it if Wlad figured out a way to get pregnant and he could have the baby," she said. "We would be going right now, no problem."

"If he could, would he?" Kelly Ripa asked. "That's the question."

"Absolutely. Absolutely," Panettiere replied. "I asked him this question...He's going to be like, 'I can't believe you told them!' But when I was pregnant, he did this thing where he would suck in his stomach and then I would put my stomach to his so that he could feel when she was moving—almost like she was in his stomach. He wanted to feel what it was like to have a baby as close to him as it was to me."

"Wow," Michael Strahan said. "You put it that way, it makes me wanna cry."

"And then, labor happens!" Ripa said.

"Oh, he felt it! I made sure of that," Panettiere joked. "No, he was a trooper."

Strahan then asked Panettiere why she won't be reprising her role as Claire Bennett on NBC's Heroes Reborn." You know, I loved that show. That show was such a huge part of my life," said the actress, who played the part for four seasons from 2006 to 2010. "It took me such a long time to get out of a cheerleading outfit. I just love where I am right now and I love being on Nashville...but I love Heroes so much. I can't wait to see it. I've been seeing the previews; I cannot wait to see what they're doing on it. They've got Masi Oka back and Jack Coleman. I think I saw Greg Grunberg. So, they've got some of the old cast back. I hope the fans will love it, because they're so loyal and so wonderful and so supportive."

Ratings: Empire Returns Very Strong, Just Shy of Record Numbers

Fox’s Empire opened Season 2 on Wednesday night with 16 million total viewers and a 6.5 rating (per fast nationals), dipping just 6 and 9 percent from the second hour of its record-setting freshman finale (17.6 mil/6.9).

Versus its series debut, for those who may wonder, Empire was up 62 and 71 percent — the largest Season 1/Season 2 leap in 10 years, since House.

Opening Fox’s night, the tepidly reviewed Rosewood debuted to 7.4 mil and a 2.4, nearly doubling both Hell’s Kitchen‘s year-ago numbers (3.7 mil/1.3) and Red Band Society‘s year-ago launch (4 mil/1.3, at 9 pm).

Elsewhere….

NBC | The Mysteries of Laura returned to 6.9 mil/1.2, up from its freshman finale (7.3 mil/1.1) and scoring its best rating since Feb. 25. SVU‘s two-hour opener (8.2 mil/1.7) was down 18 and 23 percent from its previous premiere — marking a series low for a premiere — but up from its May finale (7.2 mil/1.4) and netted its biggest non-crossover audience in a year.

ABC | The Middle (8.2 mil/2.1) and The Goldbergs (7.6 mil/2.4) both surges vs. their May finales and veritably matched their previous premieres. Modern Family (9.3 mil/3.1) and black-ish (7.3 mil/2.4) surged from their finales but were down sharply from previous premieres. Nashville (5 mil/1.3) slipped 14 percent from its year-ago opener but ticked up from its finale.

CBS | Survivor (9.6 mil/2.4) was even with its previous premiere, while Big Brother (6.5 mil/2.2) slipped 7 and 15 percent from its previous finale.

Original Story: Fox’s Empire opened Season 2 on Wednesday night with a 10.4 rating/17 share in metered-market households, based on very preliminary data cited by TV Media Insights. That marks the Fox megahit’s second-best metered-market rating ever, trailing only the two-hour freshman finale (which averaged 10.8/17).

About that Nashville Cliffhanger: Did Deacon Live? Find Out What's Next in Season 4

Deacon lives! The season four premiere of Nashville very quickly resolved the major cliffhanger from the season three finale: Whether Charles Esten's cancer-stricken country music star would make it through a liver transplant.

But unfortunately, it was his sister, Beverly (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson), who'd donated part of her liver to her little brother, who didn't wake from their surgery. She hadn't disclosed certain medications she'd been taking to their team of doctors, and while Deacon emerged alive and better than ever, Bev was stuck in a coma thanks to hidden complications beyond anyone's control.

"That's what people keep trying to tell him—that this wasn't your fault," Esten tells E! News of Deacon's reaction to his sister's hospitalization. "But he's not going to hear that. How do you hear that? All he knows is she was fine and then she did this for him and now she's not."

Now, because of his incredible guilt over the whole situation, it looks like he and Rayna won't be able to have their happily ever after any time soon.

"This is definitely a road block," the actor admits. "It finally looks like they're going to [get to be together], but just when it looks like it's going to be good is when this happens."

However, the couple has endured years of obstacles in the way of their happiness and they won't simply give up. "They've come through so much after so long," Esten says. "She's always been his rock, even when they weren't together, so now that they are together she's there for him and there are things that she can speak to him that no one else would be able to. If anybody can get through to Deacon, it's Rayna."

Esten continues, "What happens in the beginning of the season is always going to impact him and lead him into other situations as the season progresses that have their roots in his guilt and trying to work through what happened with him and Bev."

Look for the fallout from the operation to continue well into Nashville's fourth season, which airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC.

'Nashville’: Will Rayna be able to save Juliette?

Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) has gone through with leaving the record label. She’s a big Hollywood star now attending her first Hollywood premiere. From the outside it looks like the younger starlet has finally gotten everything she wants, but behind the scenes she is falling apart.

In a moment of clarity she calls Rayna to ask for help but never actually gets the words out before she’s called back to the spotlight. The distress signal is enough to get Rayna to put their differences aside and fly across the country to make sure Juliette is okay. However, Juliette has been sucked back into the world of Jeff Fordham (Oliver Hudson) and puts up all of her walls instead of taking Rayna’s offer for help. Instead, she stabs her former mentor in the heart with the truth about Highway 65 records and that everyone thinks it’s a joke.

In that moment, Juliette manages to alienate the last person trying to help her out. It’s obvious that Jeff is only involved with her for the money. Avery (Jonathan Jackson) is so heartbroken over Juliette’s departure he can’t see straight and Juliette is so isolated she spends every night swimming to the bottom of champagne and vodka bottles. Without Rayna, it’s going to be a long and torturous road to being able to truly stand on her own two feet. It might be time to question if she has it in her.

As Rayna makes her way back to Nashville, she’s able to see the value in what Juliette says about the label. As a radio show pulls her mistakes as a label owner apart, Rayna stands in the empty offices with a wistful look on her face. It seems that if she can’t save Juliette in Season 4 she’s bound and determined to save herself, her label and her dream.

“Nashville” airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Nashville Star Promises "Answers and Heartbreak" in Season 4 Premiere, So Stock Up on Wine and Tissues!

"They don't mess around. You find out rather quickly in the episode how it resolves and what happens," he says of tonight's season four premiere. "We already made you wait long enough so we're not going to make anybody wait any longer."

Many fans were able to tide themselves over until the new season began with the show's summer tour, which saw Esten team up with castmates Clare Bowen (Scarlett), Chris Carmack (Will), Aubrey Peeples (Layla), and Lennon and Maisy Stella (Maddie and Daphne).

Esten tells us that there's no feeling like being able to take the stage in front of the show's passionate fans. "I have no words for how cool it is. It is literally the best thing," he gushes. "So many actors on TV shows that have a passionate following like we do can interact with fans through social media in ways that you [couldn't before], but there's no interaction like walking on stage in a theater that's full of Nashies."

He continues, "To get to feel all that love right there, we're very, very lucky to get to do that. And to get to play our own music, too, so they also get to know Chip and Clare and Sam [Palladio] and Chris Carmack—so many of us are so fortunate to get to go out and continue that relationship with this fanbase on another level."

Now that the show is returning, you might want to crank up the soundtrack's most maudlin songs, because there is the potential perhaps Deacon didn't survive the liver transplant he was about to undergo ( thanks to his reluctant donor sister). "[The premiere] has answers and heartbreak," Esten teases. "Wine, Kleenexes, a close friend—you'll want all of that."

Nashville airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on ABC.

Will Nashville's Deacon Survive? A Cagey Charles Esten Isn't Telling

The Nashville star is standing before a small crowd, guitar slung across his chest, at The Southwest Porch in New York’s Bryant Park a few days before the ABC series’ Season 4 premiere.

Esten — along with Nashville musical contributors/Bluebird Café regulars Kim Richey and Striking Matches — are putting on a free, al fresco concert for the after-work crowd. He rises from his stool and steps to the mic.

“It’s a lot of fun writing from Deacon’s perspective, because he has some issues,” Esten says, strumming a few notes as he introduces a tune called “Whiskey Lips.”

But the audience knows what it’s here for. “Does he live?!” a woman calls from the back.

The question is one Esten has been getting a lot this summer, he tells TVLine during some downtime before the show, given that his alter ego may — or may not — have flatlined in the final moments of the drama’s Season 3 finale. He recalls a moment from a recent pre-gig Q&A session.

“They handed [the mic] to a little girl, a Cindy Lou Who. I said, ‘What’s your question, sweetheart?’ She says, ‘Is Mr. Deacon gonna live?'” He laughs heartily. “I go, ‘That is hardball! That is dirty pool!'”

(Editor’s note: Though we — and Esten —are not at liberty to say whether or not Deacon will sing with the angels, we can confirm showrunner Dee Johnson’s assertion that you’ll know minutes after the premiere begins.)

Nashville fans will remember that Deacon and Rayna’s last interaction involved him wanting to get married in his hospital room before he was wheeled into the OR suite — and her gently refusing to give in to his panic. They were at a good place as he left her… but Esten says a lot of Deke’s composure was for show.

“She talked him back to reality a little bit, as she can so well,” he says, smiling wryly. “But then as he was being wheeled out, it’s not like, ‘OK, that’s done. I’m better now.’ [It’s more] ‘I’m going to have to trust you on this one, sweetheart, because I’m not feeling a thing you said.'”

And given the way things played out, Esten adds, he’s glad Deacon didn’t become Mr. Rayna Jaymes under such dire circumstances.

“I understand the concept of why you would,” he quickly adds. “I understand all those reasons are why Deacon wanted it. But Rayna’s reasons,” he pauses to grin, “are extremely valid, too.”

Nashville returns Wednesday at 10/9c (ABC).

Nashville Season 4 Plotlines, As Told By Real Country Songs

On Wednesday's season premiere of Nashville, Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler guest-stars as himself to perform a duet with Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere), who finds herself in the throes of postpartum depression this season. The song? A cover of Patsy Cline's "Crazy."

That got us thinking: What if all the plotlines on Nashville could be summed up by actual country lyrics? Spoiler alert: They can. Here's a summary of what to expect on Season 4, complete with a theme song for each character.

Rayna (Connie Britton)
We'll find out in Wednesday's premiere whether it was Deacon (Charles Esten) or his sister Beverly (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson) who flatlined in the Season 3 finale. (We're betting a million dollars it was his sister.) "Nothing is going to be the same, obviously, after we come back," executive producer Dee Johnson tells TVGuide.com. "Certainly from a personal point of view, but also from a business point of view, because in addition to the cliff-hanger that we had, a lot of stuff changed in Rayna's business world too. ... She comes into this new world order having to kind of start from scratch again on a lot of levels."
Song: "Stand By Your Man" by Tammy Wynette

Juliette
After leaving Rayna's label for Luke's, Juliette's career is on an upward trajectory. Her personal life, on the other hand, is in a downward spiral. "One of the things that we're exploring is the idea that, there's a public perception of how these people are living, and the private reality of it," Johnson says. "And I think that those are going to be flip-flopped a little bit as we begin the season. ... I think she's still very much struggling with what she's sort of not dealing with. She has in the past and continues to throw herself into work, and probably more successfully than she ever has before."
Song: "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" by Hank Williams

Scarlett and Gunnar (Clare Bowen and Sam Palladio)
Scarlett's way of dealing with her feelings for Gunnar is to avoid them, and fast-track her relationship with the safer option, Handsome Doctor. The only problem is, she and Gunnar are still in a band, making beautiful music together. We're guessing her strategy will be wildly successful as the season progresses.
Song: "Like We Never Loved at All" by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw

Avery (Jonathan Jackson)
With Juliette MIA, Avery heads back to Ohio so his parents can help with raising Cadence - but is the move a temporary or permanent one? "He's still very much in love with her, and I think he takes his vows very seriously," Johnson says. "And obviously he wants what's best for his daughter. I don't think he's in a hopeless place, but I think it's safe to assume that she's going to tax him."
Song: "Who Says You Can't Go Home" by Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles

Luke (Will Chase)
Taking the advice of a newly hired "image consultant," Luke kicks Will off of his tour temporarily and throws all his resources behind his new star, Juliette. "Luke is at the core a good guy, and he wants to do what's best," Johnson says. "He makes a decision regarding Will, but also embarks on taking his own brand, as it were, to the next level." But his career-focused tunnel vision blinds him to Juliette's off-stage issues, and only widens the rift between him and Rayna.
Song: "Good Time" by Alan Jackson

Will (Chris Carmack)
Will's relationship with Kevin (Kyle Dean Massey) is finally moving forward, but his career is stalled after his very public coming-out a month earlier. After getting the boot from Luke's tour, Will sinks into a depression and begins to regret his announcement. "He has been sequestered in a self-imposed exile, as it were," Johnson says. "Although I think that in the moment, he made that decision and it felt really good and right and true to himself, of course after you do something like that, you second-guess your choices. I think his journey for this season is figuring out where he fits in, because he's now kind of in a little bit of a no-man's land in terms of where he is most comfortable. ... He's not used to being in a couple. He's not used to being out in public. So, there's a whole journey that he undertakes to find out not only who he is as just a person in a relationship, but is he a performer?"
Song: "All American Boy" by Steve Grand

Layla (Aubrey Peeples)
When she's not hogging the spotlight from Juliette on red carpets, Layla is still devoting a significant amount of time to being one-half of Nashville's Worst Couple, along with Jeff Fordham (Oliver Hudson). "After our little golf club incident at the end of last season, I think that [Layla and Jeff] are strangely on ... not equal footing, but I think that they understand each other in a way they haven't before," Johnson notes. "They have feelings for each other. They may not be the most healthy feelings, but they have feelings for each other, and they are genuine."
Song: "Sparks Fly" by Taylor Swift

Teddy (Eric Close)
Maddie's (Lennon Stella) daddy issues aren't going to get any easier this season, with Teddy trying to maintain a relationship with her and Daphne (Maisy Stella) from prison. "Obviously he's the girls' father, so he's always going to be a presence," Johnson says. "But there's definitely going to be some blowback from all that happened."
Song: "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash

Nashville returns Wednesday at 10/9c on ABC.

Nashville Season 4: EP Teases Flatline Resolution ('Rayna's World Will Never Be the Same'), Will Backlash & More

“I can’t do it!” she says, laughing. “I’ll just tell you that Rayna’s world will never be the same.”

Fortunately, Johnson can answer several other burning questions we have in advance of the ABC series’ Sept. 23 return (10/9c). Will Juliette make up with Avery (and Rayna)? Will Will regret his bold declaration at last season’s press conference? Will Scarlett and Gunnar be able to keep their musical partnership platonic? Read on for the Music City lowdown.

TVLINE | From the premiere’s photos, we see that Rayna comes to talk to Juliette, who is trying to break her contract with Highway 65. What is their relationship like at that point?

Like I said, there’s been a one-month time jump, and a lot has happened in those ellipses for both those women. But you know, given where we left them… I think that those two will always have kind of a weird connection. But it’s not a stretch to say that it doesn’t go well. [Laughs]

TVLINE | When we spoke after the finale, you said you didn’t think it would take Avery and Juliette very long to get their relationship back on track. Does that still hold?

Well, I guess it depends on your definition of “long.” [Laughs] They have a lot to overcome in the early going of this season.

TVLINE | Cadence has been with Avery since last we saw them?

Yes.

TVLINE | What’s up with Gunnar and Scarlett? She was about to move in with Dr. Caleb, but she also almost kissed Gunnar at the end of the episode.

That’s a tricky one too. They’ve embarked on this duo that they’re committed to now. It was a little bit of a Pandora’s box up there on the roof, given the givens… Where we left [them], they were going to go on tour. It’s a real problem in terms of whether or not that box gets closed or whether it’s going to ruin a good thing.

TVLINE | The show is bringing in a character named Gabriella to handle some public relations issues for Will and Luke. Is she also a possible love interest for Luke?

No. The problem, any time you have a potential love interest —

TVLINE | But here’s the thing: Every time you say that, such as, “Sadie doesn’t have to be a love interest for Luke,” then they have a moment, and then another, and then that scene before she shoots her husband…

You know, they never really were officially love interests. [Laughs]

TVLINE | But if Laura Benanti had stayed, I defy you to not make them a couple.

That’s true. If Laura hadn’t had such a huge Broadway career, they may well have been a couple.

TVLINE | So, is there a possibility that Gabriella might catch Luke’s eye in that way?

There’s always a possibility of the eye-catching thing, but I will say that she comes into the show with business in mind. They are both committed to making [Luke] a global brand. Whatever happens in the context of that, happens.

TVLINE | On a related note, will Will’s coming out be as rough as he feared on his career?

It’s a real journey. [The press conference] was the first gigantic step, and now there’s 999 more to get where he needs to go… It’s safe to say that he meant everything he said in that moment, and then, of course, then afterwards you’re going, “Oh gosh, should I have done that?” When we come back, he’s been hibernating a little bit. The question is: When he comes out of hibernation, where does he fit in?

TVLINE | Talk to me about Layla. Will she be more center stage, now that Aubrey Peeples is a series regular?

[As] we come into the season, she and Jeff have a new understanding… Their unique love, is on the table, and they are poised to kind of try to see how that works as a couple. But the manager/client relationship is a tricky one, and one of the things we’re really focusing on, in terms of our general storytelling this season, is public perception versus what’s really happening, and how different those things can be.

TVLINE | What can you tell me about Highway 65’s newest artist, Markus Keen?

We meet him for the first time in Episode 2, and then he’s in a pretty significant run — not necessarily in every episode… He’s a guy who’s coming off of a band, a very popular band that has broken up, and had some problems. And Rayna seeks out a unique way to court him, and has brought him into the fold of country music, and hijinks ensue.

Kimberly Williams-Paisley: What I Learned from My Mother's Dementia

"People change and evolve in life anyway and this is just an extreme evolution in my mother," the actress and author, 43, tells PEOPLE of her mom Linda, who is now completely non-verbal and living in a memory care facility. "There were ways that she changed along the way that I loved. She became goofier and funnier. She became more accepting of me in a lot of ways.

"There were times when I was a mother and she just delighted in me, whereas in the past, she may have been a little more critical or she might have meddled a little more," says Williams-Paisley.

"As it was, she just adored me and adored my kids [Huck, 8½, and Jasper, 6, with husband Brad Paisley] and adored being a grandmother. A lot of the anxiety and judgment that she used to have disappeared for a time. There was a phase where that's where she was and it was really fun watching her delight in her grandchildren and delight in life and have that passion and joy that was unbridled because she didn't really have an awareness of who she was in the same way she used to. She let go of a lot of inhibitions."

Still, it's been a tough road for the entire family, not the least of which has been her dad, who handled much of her mom's care for many years.

"I know my father got lost, even with the support of his family," says the actress. "He stopped returning calls and wouldn't listen to reason. He got sucked into her disease and didn't realize how much help he needed. It's very important for people in this situation to ask for help and accept it and get the help wherever they can. "

That's why Williams-Paisley signed on to be a spokesperson for both the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and the Alzheimer's Association. She's spreading the word that there are resources out there that can help.

"I think for anybody going through it, a key is finding a community of people that can support you,' says Williams-Paisley, who will release a book on the experience, Where the Light Gets In, in March. "Certainly, there are tons of resources out there if you don't have family."

For more from Williams-Paisley, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands now.

Hayden Panettiere -- Shelling Out Loot for Both Parents During Divorce War

Hayden's mom says she's virtually destitute with no place to live in L.A., and were it not for the generosity of her daughter she could be homeless. Lesley Panettiere claims in legal docs her estranged husband Alan has paid her only 4 months worth of spousal support since 2012.

Lesley says Hayden is letting her stay in the actress' West Hollywood condo for free, until she can get back on her feet.

But Hayden's generosity doesn't stop there. According to the docs, Hayden gave Alan a $100,000 gift just this year.

Lesley was making money by managing Hayden when she was a minor, but when she turned 18 she got a professional agency. That left Lesley without work, though she's trying to become a producer.

Lesley and Alan have a difficult past. In 2008 Alan was criminally charged with misdemeanor battery for striking Lesley in the face. He pled no contest.

CW Buys Electronic Dance Music Drama ‘The Drop’ From R.J. Cutler, Steve Angello

Set in the sexy, non-stop world of Miami’s Electronic Dance Music scene, The Drop centers on a DJ teetering on the edge of ruin who finds hope (and more) in a gifted protégé who is female and African-American, both rarities in the EDM world. Writer-musician Kyle Jarrow (A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant) is penning the script, with Cutler set to direct. The two will executive produce with Kennedy/Marshall’s Frank Marshall and Robert Zotnowski. Angello, a member of former electronic music group Swedish House Mafia, is attached as an executive music producer.

Two seasons ago, the CW and CBS TV Studios developed a music drama from NCIS: LA showrunner Shane Brennan and superstar electronic dance music DJ Tiësto.

The CW has developed with Jarrow before. The singer, songwriter, and keyboardist for the theatrical rock band Sky-Pony previously wrote for the network dramas Trigger and Ze, about a transgender teen.

Cutler is repped by CAA, Brillstein Entertainment, and attorney Jeanne Newman; Jarrow is with CAA; Kennedy/Marshall Company is repped by CAA and Alan Hergott; and Angello is with SB Projects.

Kate Hudson Wakes Up Brother Oliver Hudson to Wish Him a Happy Birthday Via FaceTime

Kate Hudson did what any loving sister might do for her brother's birthday: wake him up with an energetic FaceTime call.

The actress, 36, posted a screenshot of her FaceTime call with brother Oliver Hudson wishing him a happy 39th birthday this week.

The photo shows Kate looking very excited to be talking to her brother, while Oliver looks a little less enthusiastic while sporting some serious bed head.

"Birthday face time with this insane one @theoliverhudson Happy birthday big bro! Love ya tons," she captioned the photo.

Of course Hudson couldn't help but laugh at her brother's tired face, adding, "And….I think you need some sleep!"

The siblings have been close for years, sticking together after their biological father left them at a young age. They later formed a close bond with their mother Goldie Hawn's partner, Kurt Russell.

The brother/sister duo are often seen joking around on social media and are highly involved in each other's lives and families.

Take a Tour of Hayden Panettiere’s Gorgeous Nashville Home

Despite some serious differences in taste — Panettiere’s is more traditional and feminine, while Klitschko prefers a sleeker, more modern look — the two settled on the perfect look for their new home with the help of decorator Benjamin Vandiver, who opened up to Domino about the experience.

The process wasn’t without hitches.

A few weeks into the design process, the Nashville star discovered she was pregnant with her second child … meaning that Vandiver had to switch gears and completely re-imagine the 5,000-sq.-ft. space.

“Suddenly, we had to find a way to speak to Hayden and Wladimir’s personal styles in a way that felt collected and authentic,” Vandiver said, “while also creating a child-friendly home.”

Each room has its own vibe, from the pale pink master bedroom to the sleek, minimalist kitchen. Klitschko even has his own recluse — an eclectic music room above the garage, where he’s authorized to play drums as loud as he wants.

Adding personal touches, Vandiver maintains, is the best way to avoid that model-home-look of most newly constructed houses.

“There’s no way to create a house that looks lived in without furnishing it with pieces you truly love.”

Nashville's Chaley Rose to Return

Probably not, given that EW.com reports that Scarlett’s bestie — and Gunnar’s ex — will be back in town because of a “tragedy.”

Rose is slated for at least one episode in the upcoming season, showrunner Dee Johnson tells the site, though perhaps an interaction with Gunnar will cause her to extend her stay in Music City?

Zoe departed Nashville last season after relationship problems with then-boyfriend Gunnar made her realize she had nothing to lose by taking off for Los Angeles. Turns out, she was leaving without his love.

Since leaving the ABC drama, Rose appeared in an episode of ABC Family’s Stitchers.

Robert Wisdom Joins Netflix’s ‘Flaked’

Steven Tyler to Guest Star on Nashville

Steven Tyler will guest star on the ABC drama's upcoming fourth season, PEOPLE has confirmed.

Tyler posted a sneak peek via Twitter of his upcoming appearance, alongside Hayden Panettiere.

"@haydenpanettier AND I GETTING A LITTLE "CRAZY" ON SET AT @Nashville_ABC YOU WONT WANT TO MISS THIS......#PATSYCLINE," he captioned the photo, hinting that he'll be performing with Panettiere, whose character, Juliette Barnes, is starring in a biopic in which she plays the legendary Cline. (Got all that?)

Tyler's gig on the show follows his announcement in April that he's making a country album – his first foray into the genre. The album's first single, "Love Is Your Name," debuted in May.

The Aerosmith rocker tops a long list of guest stars on the show including Christina Aguilera, Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Brantley Gilbert, Kip Moore, Michelle Obama, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, and Chris Young.

The fourth season of Nashville will premiere on Sept. 23.

New 'Jem and the Holograms' trailer finally adds the 'Hologram' bit

'General Hospital' stars recall their good times working with Anthony Geary

Jane Elliot, who plays Spencer's longtime love Tracy Quartermaine, said she remembers the first time she met Geary.

"Tony never phoned a performance in," said Elliot. "He never gave less than a full commitment, and that set the tone for everyone who worked with him."

She recalled when Geary first screen-tested for the role of Spencer, he acted with her. "It's always awkward with an actor you don't know," she said. "I was walking down this flight of stars, and I pass Tony, who is doodling on a piece of paper. He's doing tic tac toe. I immediately know what kind of actor he is, doing something real in an unreal setting. I went up to him, put an O next to his X, and our relationship was established."

In addition to working together, the two are tight personal friends off the set.

She added, "There's a rich history that flows between the two of us. There's a deep trust. That's the fun of the game."

Jonathan Jackson (ABC's "Nashville") clearly remembers working with Geary when he was starting out as a child actor on "General Hospital." Jackson played Lucky, the son of Luke and Laura Spencer (Genie Francis).

"Tony's friendship and guidance has meant the world to me," said Jackson, who was 11 years old when he started on the soap. "He was always extremely warm and very present, there was nothing condescending in him. He never treated me like a kid. We clicked right away."

Jackson returned to "General Hospital" recently to film some final scenes with Geary and help close out Spencer's story line."When I found out he was leaving, I knew I had to come back. He was great. Having those last scenes with me were everything I hoped it would be."

Nashville Adds True Blood Alum as Rayna's Hot New Highway 65 Artist

Riley Smith (True Blood) has been cast as Markus Kane, the hotshot frontman of a highly successful mainstream band who signs with Rayna’s record label when he decides to go solo, TVLine has learned exclusively.

Markus, whose season-long recurring role was teased in a recent Ask Ausiello, will gravitate to the fledgling Highway 65 because Rayna promises to help him strip down his sound and help him break into country. But when he realizes how much the company needs his album to be a hit, he also realizes how much power he holds over Rayna — that’s when his controlling and narcissistic tendencies reveal themselves.

Smith played friendly vampire Keith on True Blood. His recent TV work includes The Messengers, 90210, Beauty and the Beast and True Detective.

Nashville Promotes Aubrey Peeples to Series Regular in Season 4

Aubrey Peeples will be a series regular when Nashville returns for Season 4, TVLine has learned exclusively.

Peeples, who plays reality-show-runner-up-turned-country-singer-songwriter Layla Grant, joined the ABC drama in Season 2.

The actress’ promotion comes as Layla tests the waters as a Highway 65 artist and figures out her relationship with manager/kinda boyfriend Jeff (played by Oliver Hudson, whose status with the show has changed from series regular to recurring).

Kurt Russell addresses Kate and Oliver Hudson’s daddy drama

Russell — the longtime partner of Oliver and Kate Hudson’s mom, Goldie Hawn — said the family is on the mend.

“I understood Oliver’s sense of humor and since then, there’s been some nice back and forth between Bill and Oliver that’s nice to see,” The “Hateful Eight” star told E! News.

“You want people to enjoy life as much as they can. We live in a world that if you say something or do something, it can be latched onto [you] for 24 hours or 48 hours.”

Oliver and Kate Hudson have made it clear they are not close to father Bill Hudson and instead consider Russell, 64, their father.

But on Father’s Day, Oliver rubbed salt in the wound by posting an image of him and his sister flanking Bill, with the caption: “Happy abandonment day.”

Deepening the hurt, 38-year-old Oliver posted a second image of himself with Russell with the words: “Happy Father’s Day, Pa.”

Kate, 36, also posted an image of herself with Russell to Instagram, accompanied by the message: “Pa, just simply … thank you. Happy Father’s Day. I love you to the moon and back.”

In an exclusive interview with Britain’s The Daily Mail last month, Bill accused ex-wife Hawn of turning their children against him, “willfully alienating” them from him for the sake of a “better story.”

“Goldie wanted to create this myth of a perfect family with Kurt and she wanted me out,” he said.

Bill and Hawn divorced in 1980, and Hawn and Russell began their relationship in 1983.

“When we split up, she never had a bad word to say about me,” he said.

“But when Kurt came on the scene, the narrative changed and I became the big, bad wolf. I would say to her ‘Goldie, why are you trashing me and saying I’m an absent father when it’s simply not the case?’ and she’d laugh and go, ‘Oh Bill, you know it makes for a better story.’”

For Bill, the recent public act of disrespect was the last straw.

“I say to them now, ‘I set you free,’” he told the Mail.

“I had five birth children but I now consider myself a father of three. I no longer recognize Oliver and Kate as my own. I would ask them to stop using the Hudson name. They are no longer a part of my life. Oliver’s Instagram post was a malicious, vicious, premeditated attack. He is dead to me now. As is Kate. I am mourning their loss even though they are still walking this Earth.”

Connie Britton: An Ageless Beauty Icon

Best Feature: “People say my hair is my best feature. I get a lot of comments about it, but I don’t do much of anything to it. It’s kind of funny because I feel like I don’t even play it up and it’s just sort of there.”

Diet Do: “My philosophy on life impacts my diet. I don’t want to create a vision of a woman who is starving herself, but I also like to feel healthy and good, and there are just certain healthy foods that do that, so I have a tendency to stick with those. But, I love cake, and sometimes, I eat cake—even though it doesn’t always make you feel so great after. Same with steak. I also love the ritual of dinner and what that means for your community and getting together with your friends, and I never want to deny myself of that. You have to encourage your body to take what it likes the best; it knows what you need. The key is balance and what serves your spirit the best.”

Fitness Fix: “This shows my age, but I was an aerobic instructor in college. I grew up with really bad asthma and my parents always protected me from that—there was no running, no cardio, none of that. When I got to college, I tried aerobics and it has sort of an opposite effect. It made me feel healthy, and my asthma actually subsided. But, doing aerobics for those years has made me hate the gym. Now, I avoid it at all costs! So, I try to get creative about working out. I like yoga and I am really into Pilates. Anything that is outside, like hiking or swimming that serves the whole mind-body-spirit connection for me is really good. I am also a huge fan of meditation.”

My View of Southern Beauty: “There is something about Southern beauty that is very meticulous and traditional. The East Coast and some of the other areas of the country are looking at different things they want to do and strive for. But, there is something so authentically beautiful about Southern women and their approach to beauty.”

To read more, pick up our Summer issue on newsstands June 30.

Connie Britton Shares Hair Secrets and Opens Up About Aging in New Beauty-Get the Scoop!

The 48-year-old actress—who will star as Faye Resnick in Ryan Murphy's new series American Crime Story—covers the latest issue of New Beauty, in which she shares a few beauty secrets (hint: her best hair product involves no product) and her healthy perspective on aging.

"My body is still in good shape, but it's more about the wisdom for me," she said of being in her forties. "If you serve your spirit, all of a sudden at this age, life is less scary, less overwhelming. Maybe that's the whole secret to life. It's not that bad getting older, you can enjoy it."

The actress also reveals that she doesn't buy into the gratingly unrealistic body and beauty standards that permeate Hollywood.

"Everything [people] see from Hollywood, on television, in movies and in magazines is doctored, it's not real," she said. "I really don't want to feed into that. The best advice I can give to any woman, or any young girl, or even my younger self, is to not give in to that pressure."

"Find your own value. Know your body. Know what works for you. There is so much pressure, but we do have a choice. It has to be your life you are living. I try to carry that philosophy into every aspect of my life," she continued.

As for beauty secrets, Connie has a big one about her hair—and it's surprisingly low maintenance! Or, well, no maintenance.

"I can go for days without washing my hair, and people freak out about that," she admitted. "It gets better from the natural oils that make it shiny and make it do what I want it to do." (We're with you on that one!)

The American Crime Story actress isn't sweating a restrictive diet, instead incorporating healthy foods—plus a couple splurges—into her every day routine.

"My philosophy on life impacts my diet. I don't want to create a vision of a woman who is starving herself, but I also like to feel good, so I tend to stick to certain healthy foods that do that. But, I love cake, and I eat it sometimes—even though I don't always feel so great afterward," she quipped.

The summer-fall 2015 issue of New Beauty is on newsstands now.

Nashville's Jonathan Jackson Previews Lucky's 'Whirlwind' GH Return

“But another thing is, when you’re in an ensemble cast and it’s a relationship-driven show, if the show’s around a few years, then chances are that the characters are gonna cross paths,” he says. “That’s just kind of how things work.”

Spoken like someone who’s seen his fair share of drama — daytime and primetime — throughout more than two decades in the business. Jackson got his start on ABC’s General Hospital as Lucky Spencer, son of supercouple Luke and Laura, a role that he left permanently in 2011.

… Or maybe not so permanently: As previously announced, Jackson will return this week as part of GH star Anthony Geary’s exit storyline/Luke’s final arc on the show. For those who haven’t spent time in Port Charles lately, Lucky’s mom (played by Genie Francis) recently returned to town with terrible news: Lucky is missing, and she and Luke (who are divorced) must go on an epic journey to rescue him from danger.

As the tour bus for Jackson’s band Enation rolled through Texas — he and the guys had played a gig the night before — TVLine talked to the GH returnee about his daytime homecoming (plus a little Nashville chat, for good measure).

TVLINE | What city are you in right now?

We’re traveling. We’re somewhere in Texas. We just played in Dallas last night.

TVLINE | How did you make the General Hospital return work, given Nashville and your tour?

It was definitely tricky. We looked at the amount of work I was going to try to accomplish on [GH] and then figure out how much I could do in a short period of time. We had a few days off of touring, and I flew to L.A. and I took my daughter with me so we could spend some time together. I did what was probably a week’s worth of work in two days. It was a whirlwind. But it was so fun to see everyone. It was really exciting to get to do those scenes with Tony. It was really special for me.

TVLINE | When I spoke with Genie, she said some of the scenes you had with Tony really moved her. Can you give me the gist of those scenes?

It’s funny. I hadn’t been following the show, so I didn’t know Genie was going to be there until maybe a week or so before I flew to L.A. I was so excited to see Genie and to get to work with her again. I don’t know, it’s hard to get the gist of the scenes without giving too much away.

TVLINE | We know Lucky is in peril.

Yeah. But we were able to find some moments to have some more heartfelt scenes which was something that [I was really] looking forward to. I was excited about that.

TVLINE | A lot of the crew, I heard, was also excited to see you.

Yeah! I was excited to see them. It’s such a family. There were so many people.

TVLINE | How many episodes, total, did you shoot?

I believe it’s four.

TVLINE | Do we get an update on what Lucky has been up to, what his life is like these days?

I don’t think so, in a very specific way. I think it’s more in these vague terms.

TVLINE | You haven’t started Season 4 of Nashville yet, right?

No. I think we’re starting mid-July. It’s coming up.

TVLINE | Have you seen any scripts yet?

I haven’t. I’m curious like the audience is about how things are going to go.

TVLINE | You ended last year spending a lot of time with the baby playing Cadence. Your children aren’t infants anymore — did you have any flashbacks?

Yeah, there was definitely a lot of that. I was remembering. It’s funny because it goes so fast. When you’re a few years away from it, you forget a lot of stuff. I’ve gone through it three times.

TVLINE | Do you know anything about Juliette and Avery’s trajectory at the beginning of the season?

I really don’t. I have no idea where it’s going.

TVLINE | Some of my favorite music on the show came from the ZAG Band, then the SAG band, then The Triple XXXs. But it seems like Avery is no longer a part of that group.

It’s funny, because they formed a band and I think they broke up before they even performed a show. Played two shows, broke up again. They have not been the most consistent as a band. [Laughs] At this point, Avery has his child and that’s the top priority. I don’t think he’s up for touring with a band.

TVLNE | Finally, you need to weigh in on whether the flatline at the end of the season finale belongs to Beverly or Deacon.

Oh geez. I don’t know. [Laughs] If you look at Twitter… Chip is Chip. [Laughs] He’s a pretty big part of the show.

Bill Hudson Responds to Father's Day Diss From Oliver Hudson: He Is "No Longer a Part of My Life"

Ever since Oliver Hudson called out his estranged biological father Bill Hudson on Instagram this past Father's Day, fans have been reminded of the not-so-happy dynamic Goldie Hawn's ex-husband shares with two of his kids.

"Happy abandonment day…@KateHudson," Oliver wrote on Instagram while sharing a childhood pic of him with his estranged father and little sis Kate Hudson.

The Rules of Engagement alum would later call Kurt Russell his "pa" in a belated Father's Day post.

Exactly one week after the first message was shared, Bill has decided to break his silence and give his side of the story. As it turns out, he's not interested in repairing any relationships.

"I say to them now, ‘I set you free,'" he shared with the DailyMail. "I had five birth children and I now consider myself a father of three. I no longer recognize Oliver and Kate as my own."

He continued, "I would ask them to stop using the Hudson name. They are no longer a part of my life. Oliver's Instagram post was a malicious, vicious, premeditated attack. He is dead to me now. As is Kate."

For the record, Kate didn't post any messages to her bio dad on Father's Day. Nonetheless, Bill admits there has been a strain on their relationship for several years.

"I am mourning their loss even though they are still walking this earth," Bill proclaimed.

As for Kate and Oliver, they both have nothing but love for Kurt, their true father figure.

"Before you came into my life, I was only potential and you made me, forced me, to find my confidence, my independence and strive for the elusive fearlessness that you so matter of factly possess," Oliver recently wrote on Instagram. "I look up to you and always will."

Kate added, "Pa, just simply….Thank you."

Kimberly Williams-Paisley Will Open Up About Her Mother's Dementia in New Book

In her upcoming book, Where the Light Gets In, to be published by Crown in 2016, the actress, 43, will share a glimpse of what life has been like since her mother, Linda, was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia called primary progressive aphasia at age 62.

"I hope that the whole story – and what we learned from its challenges, mistakes, moments of joy and unexpected humor – will help many more people, and promote further awareness of a heartbreaking epidemic," Williams-Paisley said in a press release first obtained by PEOPLE.

The Father of the Bride star has shared her mother's struggle before, but this new read promises an even deeper look.

"The overwhelming response to my Redbook piece showed me that my family's ordeal resonated with others coping with a beloved parent's disease," she says in the release, which calls Where the Light Gets In the complete story of her mother's illness, including the hardships, the memories, the details of their relationship, the strong bond that brought her family closer – and even the funny moments.

Williams-Paisley has said she's learned to accept her mother for who she is now, all while welcoming the unexpected humor and grace that comes with the heartache.

"She is, in many ways, a 'new' mom. But now it's easier to welcome memories of her as she used to be," Williams-Paisley wrote in a personal essay for Redbook. "I remember her as I run, the way she always used to, into a cold ocean when no one else wants to. I'm sure I know how she felt as I listen to my own children with all my heart."

Where the Light Gets In will be available March 29, 2016.

Oliver Hudson Wishes Kurt Russell a Belated Happy Father's Day After Shading Biological Dad Bill Hudson

Just three days after sharing a not-so-nice tribute to his biological dad Bill Hudson, the Rules of Engagement alum took to Instagram Wednesday with a special (and nicer) message for his true father figure.

"Happy Father's Day Pa…" he wrote on social media while posing with Kurt Russell who raised him for a majority of his life. "#NewOrleans #Felixs."

Some may think this is just your typical belated Father's Day shout out. But if you've been following Oliver's Instagram, you know this has a bit more meaning.

Back on Sunday, the 38-year-old shared a childhood picture of himself with little sister Kate Hudson and his biological father.

But instead of a heartfelt, loving message, Oliver let the caption do all the talking. "Happy abandonment day... @katehudson," he wrote alongside the throwback photo. Yikes!

Both Oliver and Kate have spoken out in past interviews about Bill's presence (or lack thereof) in their lives. In fact, it's Goldie Hawn's longtime partner of more than 30 years who has served as the primary father figure.

[Bill] doesn't know me from a hole in the wall. But I don't care," Kate told Vanity Fair back in 2000. "I have a dad [Russell]…I'm glad I had a dad who was there on my birthday."

And after all of these years, their bond is still incredibly close. Just take a look at the recent message the A-list actress wrote on Instagram.

"Pa, just simply….Thank you," Kate captioned in honor of Kurt. "Happy Father's Day. I love you to the moon and back. #HappyFathersDay."

AXS TV Signs Up For 'Nashville' Seasons 1-3

It’s by far the most notable deal for the channel, in line the deal brokered last summer to air the X Factor mothership show, The X Factor UK one day after it airs in that country. AXS TV also has acquired off-network rights to such shows as Larry The Cable Guy and Gene Simmons Family Jewels, but this is the channel’s first foray into off-network drama series during the series’ broadcast run.

The series, produced by Lionsgate Television, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment, will kick off on AXS TV at an as yet undisclosed date this fall, while ABC will unveil Nashville’s Season 4 on September 23.

Nashville originally premiered on ABC on October 10, 2012; its most recent round of episodes, Season 3 drew an average of nearly 8 million viewers a week. Last month ABC announced at its Upfront Week presentation it would return Nashville on Wednesdays at 10 PM, with the second installment of crime thriller Secrets And Lies, with Juliette Lewis returning as the lead, filling the gap between Nashville’s fall and spring installments.

The series has spawned six Music of Nashville soundtracks which have, collectively, sold nearly 1 million units and over 4 million tracks to date, as well as a Christmas album and two Nashville: On The Record albums and TV specials. ABC unveils Season 4 on September 23.

Nashville follows the lives of a group of recording artists in the cutthroat music industry. Connie Britton stars as the Country Queen Rayna Jaymes, who competes for popularity with the next generation of stars lighting up the charts, most notably talented/troubled Juliette Barnes, played by Hayden Panettiere. The series also has attracted a wide array of celebrity guest appearances, including Christina Aguilera, Florida Georgia Line, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Brad Paisley, Luke Bryan, Wyclef Jean, Robin Roberts, Katie Couric, and Conan O’Brien.

“Nashville is the perfect complement to our growing lineup of music-inspired series,” AXS TV CEO Mark Cuban said in today’s announcement. “With its talented cast, dramatic storylines and powerful performances from industry icons and rising stars, we are confident that Nashville will connect with our viewers, while attracting a new audience of those who may have missed out on watching from the beginning of the series.”

AXS TV is a partnership among Cuban, AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media, Creative Artists Agency, and CBS, distributed in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Oliver Hudson Calls Out His Estranged Biological Dad With Father's Day Throwback Photo

Rules of Engagement alum Oliver Hudson took to Instagram on Sunday to share a not-so-nice tribute to his biological dad, Bill Hudson. "Happy abandonment day... @katehudson," the 38-year-old captioned the childhood pic of him with his estranged father and little sis Kate Hudson.

Both Oliver and Kate have spoken out against Bill's presence in their lives, and consider their mom Goldie Hawn's longtime partner Kurt Russell of more than 30 years a primary father figure.

But in a sweeter Father's Day message, the 69-year-old blond beauty praised her son's parenting skills with a heartfelt message.

"Happy Father's Day @theoliverhudson you're simply the best papa! Love," Goldie tweeted.

Kate opted for celebrating Kurt in her own Father's Day post, expressing nothing but love for the Furious 7 actor. In the black and white pic, Kate throws her head back with laughter while Russell admires close by.

"Pa, just simply..... Thank you. Happy Fathers Day I love you to the moon and back. #HappyFathersDay," she wrote on Instagram.

For his 64th birthday back in March, Oliver penned his own heartwarming message for Kurt.

"Happy birthday to the greatest dad in Santa Monica...I love you more than you realize..." he captioned an Instagram pic. "Before you came into my life, I was only potential and you made me, forced me, to find my confidence, my independence and strive for the elusive fearlessness that you so matter of factly possess...I look up to you and always will..."

Ty Herndon Headlines Historic Nashville "Concert for Love and Acceptance"

Dubbed “The Concert for Love and Acceptance,” the event featured live performances by Ty Herndon, Billy Gilman, Crystal Gayle, Nashville actor and singer Chris Carmack, Deborah Allen, Tiffany, Desmond Child, Shelly Fairchild, Jamie O’Neal, Melinda Doolittle, Antigone Rising, Meghan Linsey, Jennifer Knapp, Levi Hummon and De La Torre.

Guitarist and former Warner Bros. recording artist Anita Cochran led the six-piece house band and also performed solo.

Herndon, who last year announced he is gay, and columnist/activist Meghan McCain co-hosted the show, which was sponsored by GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation).

McCain, daughter of senator and former presidential candidate John McCain, declared she is a Republican who lives in Los Angeles but “loves country music.”

Speaking to the crowd seated at tables, Nashville mayor Karl Dean said, “The future of Nashville lies in being an open and welcoming city.” He recited all the regulations and policies his administration had enacted to provide equal rights and benefits for gays.

Still in magnificent voice and not looking much older than he did when he scored his first hit in 1995, Herndon entered the stage to a standing ovation.

He kicked off the show with a dramatic rendering of that hit, “What Mattered Most,” and followed with the impassioned “Living in a Moment.”

“I’ve got to tell you that from the bottom of my heart,” he said, his voice choking with emotion, “I have never in my life felt more love and acceptance.”

Gayle hugged Herndon when she came onstage, and he joined her in singing a cover of Patsy Cline’s classic “Walking After Midnight.”

She explained the Cline inclusion by announcing that she’s currently recording an album of country standards.

Gayle closed with her signature tune, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” The crowd began cheering at the song’s opening notes.

Chely Wright, who in 2010 announced she is gay, sent her greetings via video.

“My heart is with you tonight,” she said. “Ty, I’m so proud of you and so proud of your courage — and of Billy Gilman, too.”

Gilman announced he was gay the same day Herndon did.

With Herndon singing harmony, Deborah Allen riveted the room with her 1983 cry from the heart, “Baby I Lied.’

Next came a video pat-on-the-back from Reba McEntire.

“Ty, I’m so proud of you and all those standing up to say that we are all God’s children,” she said.

There was a pause in the music when Herndon brought Carmack to the stage to present him a Rally (Rescue a Life) award, the first GLAAD has issued.

Herndon praised Carmack for his sensitive portrayal of Will Lexington, the tormented gay country singer on the TV series Nashville.

“Playing that role has been a real gift to me,” Carmack said.

Accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, he sang two songs: “Being Alone,” which he said is his “first independent single,” and “I’m on It,” a song “to give you a little taste of Will Lexington.”

Noting he has been touring with Jamie O’Neal, Herndon brought her out and sang with her on the two songs with which she’s most identified: “Trying to Find Atlantis” and “There Is No Arizona.”

The house band left the stage to make way for the four-women group, Antigone Rising. The high-point of their set was the song “Game Changer,” which was inspired by an 18-year-old “straight ally” in Sundown, Texas, who took a stand for gay rights despite her school’s vigorous opposition.

“To finally stand here and be [the real] Billy Gilman is amazing,” said Gilman, after he opened his set with “Billy the Kid.” He closed with Roy Orbison’s “Crying,” and had the crowd on its feet cheering before he finished.

At this point the band surrendered the stage to singer-songwriter Desmond Child. Seating himself at the piano, he noted Herndon was the first country singer to record one of his songs, that one being “Heart Half Empty,” which he co-wrote with Gary Burr.

“There’s no more manlier man — gay or straight — than Ty Herndon,” Child proclaimed.

Child then did “Livin’ on a Prayer,” the Bon Jovi hit he co-wrote with Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora.

He enlisted the young singer De La Torre to assist him on “Weird,” his hit for Hanson, which he vowed was about being gay rather than just being different.

Finally, Child introduced Levi Hummon to sing “Make It Love,” the theme Hummon co-wrote for the documentary about Child’s children, Two: The Story of Roman & Nyro.

Hummon, who is signed to Big Machine Records, is the son of Marcus Hummon, the writer of such hits as “Born to Fly” and “Cowboy Take Me Away.”

Dove-winner Jennifer Knapp, former teen sensation Tiffany and American Idol alum Melinda Doolittle each captivated the crowd, which showed no signs of weariness even as the concert rolled into its third and final hour.

Herndon wrapped up the show by debuting three songs from his upcoming album: “All Night Tonight,” “House on Fire” and “The World We’re Living In.” Most of the cast returned to the stage to accompany him on the final tune.

“I want to thank my family,” said Herndon, gesturing toward a group seated at a table near the stage, “because this has not been an easy time for them.”

Set List

Meghan Linsey: “Amazing Grace”

Ty Herndon: “What Mattered Most,” “Living in a Moment”

Shelly Fairchild: “Love Everybody,” “Kiss Me”

Crystal Gayle: “Walking After Midnight,” “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”

Deborah Allen: “Baby I Lied”

Anita Cochran: “Something to Talk About”

Chris Carmack: “Being Alone,” “I’m on It”

Jamie O’Neal: “Trying to Find Atlantis.” “There Is No Arizona”

Antigone Rising: “Game Changer,” “That Was the Whiskey”

Billy Gilman: “Billy the Kid,” “Crying”

Desmond Child: “Livin’ on a Prayer”

Desmond Child and De La Torre: “Weird”

Levi Hummon: “Make It Love”

Jennifer Knapp: “What Might Have Been,” “Remedy”

Tiffany: “Could’ve Been,” “I Think We’re Alone Now”

Melinda Doolittle: “I’m a Woman,” “Home”

Ty Herndon: “All Night Tonight,” “House on Fire,” “World I’m Living In”

Nashville's Laura Benanti Is Engaged: See Her Ring and Get the Scoop on the Proposal!

The Nashville star is engaged to Patrick Brown, E! News confirms.

"Patrick and I recently bought an apartment in NYC and he told me we were going there to meet our contractors to talk about renovations," Benanti tells E! News exclusively of the surprise proposal. "We walked around the apartment, talking about flooring and fixtures. Then Patrick turned and said 'the guys actually aren't going to be here.' That's when he dropped to one knee and said the most heartfelt words I have ever had the good fortune to hear. I cried like a baby, and he spent five minutes trying to get the ring on my finger because we were both shaking so hard."

She adds: I am so thrilled to be marrying such a wonderful man."

The 35-year-old actress also announced the news via her Instagram on Friday, sharing an adorable pic in which she's showing off her engagement ring while flashing a giant smile alongside her handsome fiancé.

"And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. ~Kahlil Gibran," the brunette actress captioned the photo, which her hubby-to-be also regrammed.

"She said yes!!! Happiest and luckiest guy in the world @laurabenanti," he wrote.

We're told Brown not only asked Benanti's parents for their daughter's hand in marriage, but he also asked for her sister's permission.

While Benanti is best known for her role as Sadie Stone on Nashville (she joined the ABC series in season three), the actress has had reoccuring spots on The Good Wife, Nurse Jackie and Law and Order: SUV.

She also won a Tony award in 2008 for Outstanding Featured Actress for her Broadway performance in Gypsy.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

2015 Teen Choice Awards Nominations

Choice TV Show: Drama (#ChoiceDramaTVShow)
"Castle"
"Empire""Grey's Anatomy"
"Nashville"
"Pretty Little Liars"
"The Fosters"

Choice TV Actress: Drama (#ChoiceDramaTVActress)
Lucy Hale - "Pretty Little Liars"
Taraji P. Henson - "Empire"
Maia Mitchell - "The Fosters"
Shay Mitchell - "Pretty Little Liars"
Hayden Panettiere - "Nashville"
Kerry Washington - "Scandal"

Jonathan Jackson, Nathan Parsons returning to General Hospital

EW has learned exclusively that Jonathan Jackson will reprise his role as Lucky on General Hospital this summer to help bid farewell to his character’s dad Luke, aka Anthony Geary.

Nathan Parsons will also return to play Luke’s other son, Ethan.

Both men will return for a short arc to coincide with Geary’s last days on the daytime drama. Earlier this month, Geary confirmed he was leaving the sudser after appearing in more than 800 episodes.

Jackson left GH in 2011 and went on to snag a series regular role in ABC’s Nashville as Avery Barkley. The drama was renewed for the 2015-16 season.

Parsons departed GH in 2013. He joined The Originals on CW last year. It, too, received a renewal for the fall.

Nashville Season 4: Eric Close Won't Return as a Series Regular

Nashville‘s Eric Close, whose character was taken away in handcuffs at the end of the ABC drama’s third season, will not be a series regular in Season 4, TVLine has learned exclusively.

ABC declined to comment, but we’re hearing Close’s status change is part of a larger creative effort to place the focus of the show squarely on the music business.

For three seasons, it seemed as if Teddy had been starring in his own satellite show about local Nashville politics. His penchant for making terrible decisions finally caught up to him in the third season finale, when the Feds arrested him for frequenting a high-priced call girl and then embezzling official funds to pay her off.

However, the character’s strong ties to Rayna (Connie Britton) — he’s her ex and they have two children together (one biologically) — likely ensures that we have not seen the last of him. In fact, a source tells TVLine that there’s a very good chance Close will be back as a guest star.

In the meantime, Close is set to reprise his Suits role of lawyer Travis Tanner for one episode in the USA drama’s upcoming fifth season.

Can Lennon and Maisy Stella Play These Obscure Instruments?

During the girls' visit to TVGuide.com, we tested their innate musical talent by handing them instruments ranging from an AirBoard to a wooden recorder and even a stylophone. Can they play them? Watch the video above to find out!

Nashville returns to ABC this fall.

Chris Carmack Appearance

An intimate VIP reception will also be held for a hand full of guests. More information at safehouseforall.org.

Limited tickets!!

Nashville's Laura Benanti Talks 'Heartwarming' Memorial Day Gig, Weighs in on Deacon Cliffhanger

Take, for instance, her thoughts on Deacon’s sister Beverly, a hard-to-love character who grudgingly donated part of her liver to her ailing brother and who might have died at the end of the season finale.

“That beyotch!” Benanti says, chuckling. “Ugh, she’s so crazy. I hate her!” She calls out the title of Scarlett’s ballad of pain, inspired by Beverly’s borderline abusive mothering. ‘Black Roses! Black Roses!'”

When not railing against the injustices of Scarlett’s childhood, Benanti is a busy woman these days. She recently wrapped The New York Spring Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, she’s writing a book of humorous essays inspired by her anything-goes tweets, she’s signed on to star in a Broadway revival of She Loves Me opposite How I Met Your Mother‘s Josh Radnor, she’s Supergirl‘s mom, and she’ll take the stage Sunday for PBS’ live National Memorial Day Concert (check local listings).

TVLine recently caught up with Benanti for a quick chat in advance of the patriotic performance.

TVLINE | You’ll be singing from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

I’m so excited about that.

TVLINE | What are you singing?

I’m singing a medley of patriotic songs.

TVLINE | You’ve done stuff like this before. Do you have a favorite patriotic song? Any that you dread?

I’ve never done the Memorial Day concert. I’ve sung at the Ford [Theatre’s Annual] Gala, I’ve sung at the Kennedy Center. But this is on the lawn. It’s for 300,000 people or something like that, so I’m terrified. Fortunately, I’m first. So I can go and then relax. But no, I don’t have a favorite patriotic song, nor do I have a least favorite. It’s not like, “Oh, that patriotic song drives me crazy.” [Laughs]

TVLINE | These songs have been around for forever, and they’re sung all the time. Is it ever hard to connect to them emotionally?

There’s so much nostalgia in them for me. They’ve gotten our country through trying times. So if you can tap into the pride of that and the heartwarming quality of that, the unity that it creates for Americans, it can be a very personal thing. I think about my family, who fought in wars. So no, I don’t have a hard time connecting to songs like that. And Larry Grossman is a wonderful arranger, and he’s putting it together, so I’m sure it will be beautiful.

TVLINE | Your reaction to Nashville‘s Deacon possibly dying at the end of the season?

[Gasps] He’s not gonna die.

TVLINE | Luke and Sadie were getting closer just before your character left town. You’d said before that they were just friends; did the development surprise you?

No, I think that I smelled that coming. What I do appreciate that they did, Sadie definitely put hos before bros. Even though she felt a connection to Luke — who I do think was a good guy and I was happy that my character could facilitate the audience seeing that he’s not a villain just because he’s not Deacon — he treated her really well. I appreciated that the writers had us have this connection but not act on it. Sadie chose to get her life together and honor her friendship with Rayna by not getting together with her ex. Who knows what will happen down the road? I don’t know if I’m coming back. I don’t really know anything. But I know if I did, I’m sure it would be in a capacity with Luke.

TVLINE | Are you at all worried about Deacon’s future?

Listen, I’m a very big Deacon fan.

TVLINE | Who’s not?

Monsters. People who aren’t human. I just love Chip [Esten] so much, too. He’s such a funny, cool person. If they kill [Deacon], I’m not gonna be OK.

11-Year-Old Hayden Panettiere Singing Britney Spears

Around the time of her breakout role in Remember the Titans a whopping 15 years ago, she did an interview with Rosie O'Donnell, which we all would've forgotten about but thanks to 22 Vision, an L.A.-based production company, we get to witness the magic once again.

Although we know Hayden best as an actress on Nashville, we should take note of her keen singing abilities and interpretive dance skills as she belts out Britney Spears "(You Drive Me) Crazy."

And pay attention to Rosie, because she's got some moves! We'd for sure love to see you two reenact this glorious performance!

Nashville EP on the Mystery Flatliner, Hope for Juliette and Why the Hospital Wedding Almost Really Happened

Johnson tells TVLine that the show’s writers “completely, totally entertained that idea,” which would have seen the terminally ill Deacon and his redheaded love officially (and legally) tie the knot just before he was wheeled into liver-transplant surgery. Instead, the couple exchanged informal, heartfelt vows, West Side Story-style.

Why didn’t Rayna and Deke make it official? Can Juliette undo the damage inflicted on her and Avery’s relationship? What’s next for Will, now that he’s out? And for the love of God, who flatlined?! Johnson — who wrote the episode with series creator Callie Khouri — addresses all of these questions and more below.

TVLINE | You have two patients on the table at the end of the episode, and one of them flatlines.

How about that, right?

TVLINE | Let’s just say that it’s Beverly who’s going to that great honkytonk in the sky. I imagine that would cause some survivor’s guilt for Deacon.

Well, I mean, if that came to pass, and by the way, just for the record, a flatline doesn’t necessarily mean somebody doesn’t get resuscitated. I’m just putting that out there. But if the scenario you’re talking about came to pass, one would certainly have some issues as a result of it. If anybody was going to donate something and they died on the table, certainly that would be pretty hard to live with.

TVLINE | Why did you decide not to go through with a real wedding in Deacon’s hospital room?

Such a complicated thing… I think the largest reason is that the general feeling from many, many parties who are involved in making this show is that it would be nice to see a real wedding at some point — if certain scenarios came true. But I’ll be honest: It was something I wanted to do. I wanted them to get a chaplain and get it done… On one hand, it’s a cold, horrible situation. But on the other hand, it couldn’t be more amped-up and romantic in that way. All that said, they basically in spirit got married in the room, and that’s what we wanted to have happen.

TVLINE | I loved that Teddy gets upstaged by Deacon even at his absolute lowest moment — as he’s getting hauled out in handcuffs — when Rayna and the girls turn away from the TV to hear what Caleb has to say.

[Laughs] I thought it was really a cool way to do it… It was too much to have two things happen in that moment of such urgency. It was a way of covering our bases and having it play neatly in the background.

TVLINE | Here’s the way I have my next question written down, verbatim: “Juliette and Avery: Are you trying to kill me with this?”

[Makes small, sympathetic sound.] Yes, I’m trying to kill you. [Laughs]

TVLINE | Every time they get a moment of happiness, she sabotages it. Moving forward, she can’t be around her baby, she’s defied Rayna and signed with Luke, she’s represented by Jeff. These seem like very big, season-long problems for when you guys come back.

Obviously, it carries over. We haven’t had an opportunity to really break next season, but in my mind, I love that couple — I think a lot of people do. I think a lot of people are rooting for them. In my mind, I don’t think it’s a season-long… they’re never going to be perfect, but I don’t think it’s going to take a season to get them back together because they have too much tying them together.

TVLINE | Will comes out in this episode. It’s taken him a while to get to this point; why have it happen now?

You know what? There was so much pressure all along to get him to pop out of the closet, like it’s so easy. I, personally, was so invested in making sure that story got told in what felt more like real time to me. We took him on a journey. We wanted to see every step — the first encounter, the first admission that he actually is what he is, getting him to a place where he is finally comfortable enough to come out — and then finally being in love with somebody for the first time in his life… That was our plan. Coming out publicly is going to have a huge impact on his career. But beyond coming out publicly was the next big thing in any person’s life, which was finally being allowed to feel love for somebody.

TVLINE | Are you thinking of keeping Kyle Dean Massey as a regular next season?

Who knows, in terms of regulars or not? But I do think he did a really great job. They really clicked together. He’s definitely in my mind certainly going to be a presence.

TVLINE | Layla and Jeff — when she was beating on his car with the golf club, I was thinking, “The show can’t not want us to think about Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren at this point.”

[Laughs] When it came up, we wanted — because he’s always been golfing, because Oliver [Hudson] golfs. It’s always been a presence in the show — when she put it all together, and he has that nice Bentley, we thought, “You know what? She should just lose her stuff and let him have it.” …I’d say maybe it was sort of an after-the-fact homage to that moment.

TVLINE | At times, it seems like they might be good for each other. Other times, it seems like it might be very bad for her to be with him. What can you speak to about their relationship, moving forward?

There are so many of those type of relationships, historically in Hollywood or the music industry, where you have somebody who is very controlling. It’s kind of that weird, psycho dynamic thing. It can result in huge success but personal psychosis, and I think that they are in a very George-and-Martha sort of relationship. There is a love connection there, but it’s maybe not the healthiest love.

TVLINE | Scarlett and Gunnar: I don’t think I’ve ever been that physically close to someone in my life and not kissed him.

[Laughs] It takes incredible restraint! But to Scarlett’s credit in particular, she did just say that she’s going to move in with Dr. Rand. I mean, look: Those guys are the flip side of the Rayna-Deacon relationship. They are that kind of star-crossed, never at the right time, have crazy emotional attachments to each other, but here they both are, both with one foot out the door, and yet there’s something that’s very deeply present.

Ratings: American Idol's Penultimate Finale Down 38 Percent vs. 2014

Elsewhere….

CBS | Survivor (9.4 mil/2.2) ticked up a tenth, while the final two episodes of CSI: Cyber’s freshman run averaged 6.8 mil/1.2, steady week-to-week.

THE CW | Arrow’s Season 3 finale (2.8 mil/1.0) added some eyeballs while steady in the demo, and was up a tenth versus last year’s closer. Supernatural (2.1 mil/0.8) surged 40 percent and two tenths.

NBC | Mysteries of Laura (6.1 mil/1.0) ticked up, SVU (6.8 mil/1.5) rose three tenths and Chicago PD (6.8 mil/1.6) grew two tenths.

ABC | The Middle (7 mil/1.7) and The Goldbergs (6.7 mil/2.) were steady with their finales, Modern Family (8.1 mil/2.7) slipped two tenths, black-ish (6.2 mil/2.1) dipped one tenth and Nashville (4.7 mil/1.3) matched its week-ago numbers and its previous finale.

Nashville's Season 3 Finale Just Burst Our Hearts In a Good Way.and Then In a Bad Way

Nashville decided to completely destroy all of us in the season three finale, "Before You Go Make Sure You Know," knowing that we'd be left to scream, cry and just generally die all summer long until it returns in the fall for season four. The hour was a complete emotional roller coaster, taking us to the highest of highs, and then ending on the lowest of lows. Our hearts! They could barely take it all! We're pretty sure the flatline at the end of the episode was from us.

And it could very well be! Since Nashville decided to keep the identity of the patient on the table flatlining a secret, meaning it could either be Deacon (Charles Esten) or his sister Beverly (Dana Wheeler-Nicolson), who was giving her brother part of her liver to save his life. Nashville wouldn't really kill off Deacon after he just got pretend married to Rayna (Connie Britton), now, would they?! Nope nope nope. We refuse to believe ABC would rob us of Deacon's twinkly eyes, soulful voice and swoon-worthy arms (Thanks so much for all those awesome arm shots, Nashville. We appreciate it more than you know). So unfortunately, we think it's Beverly that isn't going to make it out of the surgery alive. Sorry girl!

But that wasn't the only heartbreaking cliffhanger we got in the finale. After struggling with her postpartum depression all episode long, Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) took her career into her own hands and went to Jeff Fordham (Oliver Hudson), aka the man who destroyed her relationship with Avery (Jonathan Jackson) once before, to get him to sign her to Luke Wheeler's (Will Chase) label. Avery couldn't believe she would do that to him, so he took their baby and left her. Sob!

At least we got one happy ending. After a tabloid went public with photos of Will's (Chris Carmack) "working" trip to the cabin with his hot boyfriend, he decided to come out publicly, and with pride, knowing his homophobic father would once again abandon him. But Will was relieved once it was all over, and realized he could finally be himself. His happiness inspired to tell his boyfriend "I love you," and with a tear running down his cheek, a huge smile on his face, they held hands, and our hearts burst with joy!

All this drama, plus Teddy (Eric Close) got arrested for corruption, Layla (Aubrey Peeples) figured out what a pathetic loser Jeff is, and Scarlett (Clare Bowen) and Gunnar (Sam Palladio) almost kissed?! Oh Nashville, we really are going to miss you for the next few months.

Which Nashville Star Has the Weirdest First Celebrity Crush?

"This is so bad!" the singer told us. "Mine's been Steven Tyler since I was 7 and it started getting creepy at that point. Johnny Depp, who's now a man, or Steven Tyler, who's now a grandpa. Take your pick."

Her sister Maisy, on the other hand, felt very strongly about her crush: Justin Bieber. "He is beautiful and he's young."

Check out the video above for the sisters' first musical memory, which concert Maisy regrets missing and with who their dream duet partners.

The Nashville finale airs on Wednesday at 10/9c on ABC.

'Jem and the Holograms' trailer

'Jem' gets outrageous reboot

The new live-action Jem and the Holograms movie (in theaters Oct. 23) brings the glam and glitter of the 1985-88 musical cartoon — and Hasbro doll line — that little girls were wowed by 30 years ago while also creating a new coming-of-age origin story for the YouTube generation.

Director Jon M. Chu (G.I. Joe: Retaliation) says the film is much bigger than the rise of young Jerrica Benton (Nashville's Aubrey Peeples) as a pink-haired pop princess.

"It's actually about a group of young people who are going to be inundated with this idea of fame and fortune and products and stuff, and within all that, how do you stay true to who you really are?" he says. "That's the real soul of the movie."

Adds Peeples: "The whole thing is just quirky and cool and badass."

The music is still contagious and Jem also throws in a hefty bit of '80s nostalgia — and not just the frequent use of keytars. "Brat Pack" veteran Molly Ringwald even plays Aunt Bailey, the guardian of Jerrica, her sister Kimber (Stefanie Scott) and foster siblings Aja (Hayley Kiyoko) and Shana (Aurora Perrineau), who make up the Holograms group.

Jerrica is definitely a 21st-century sort of girl, Chu says. She's shy and scared to use her voice after the death of her father, who taught her guitar and would call her "Jem," yet still finds ways to make music even though she's frightened of the stage.

However, her talent is discovered and even though she doesn't want to be "out there" as a musical superstar, Jerrica is forced to embrace the over-the-top Jem alter ego in order to take care of her family and bandmates, says Peeples. "She never wanted to pursue the big costumes, lots of makeup, all that stuff. But in a way it helps her hide and have the confidence to come out and be this persona."

Still, Chu adds, Jerrica worries that people will judge her because she doesn't see herself as Jem. "We see the transformation as she gets brought into it, getting seduced by it, and at the same time trying to find her real self in between those two identities."

Ryan Guzman co-stars as the love interest Rio, while Juliette Lewis is the film's chief antagonist Erica Raymond, a Starlight Music record executive and the kind of person "tempting you with everything you really do want and need deep down somewhere in your dark place," says Chu.

The director is incorporating fans' contributions into the movie, asking them to submit performance videos and sing the praises of the old cartoon for use as a sort of "crowdsourced Greek chorus."

Executive-produced by microbudget filmmaker Jason Blum and Justin Bieber's manager Scooter Braun, whose contacts Chu raided to commission original songs for the movie, Jem was a hard property to tackle, Chu acknowledges. For every fan of the retro cartoon's random music videos, villainous punk-rock Misfits and hologram-with-a-headband Synergy, there's somebody new who has no clue what Jem is or was.

The key for Chu was finding a way to explore the Jerrica/Jem dynamic in 2015. "How can you even have a secret identity with all this social media?" the director asks. "But then it dawned on us: Wait, everybody has a secret identity. The idea of 'Who are you really?' is more relevant today than ever.

"That's what inspired me to say, 'Let's roll the dice and try to make this movie.' "

'Nashville' Among ABC Renewals

DRAMAS

“CASTLE” (Season 8)

“GREY’S ANATOMY” (Season 12)

“HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER” (Season 2)

“MARVEL’S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D.” (Season 3)

“NASHVILLE” (Season 4)

“ONCE UPON A TIME” (Season 5)

“SCANDAL” (Season 5)

“AMERICAN CRIME” (Season 2)

“SECRETS AND LIES” (Season 2)

“MARVEL’S AGENT CARTER” (Season 2)

COMEDIES

“black-ish” (Season 2)

“FRESH OFF THE BOAT” (Season 2)

“THE GOLDBERGS” (Season 3)

“THE MIDDLE” (Season 7)

“MODERN FAMILY” (Season 7)

“GALAVANT” (Season 2)

ALTERNATIVE

“AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS” (Season 26)

“THE BACHELOR” (Season 20)

“DANCING WITH THE STARS” (Season 21)

“SHARK TANK” (Season 7)

“BEYOND THE TANK” (Season 2)

“20/20”

Lennon and Maisy Amaze Us with a Performance of "Boom Clap"

But color us even more blown away when the two came in and gave us a live, intimate acoustic performance of Charli XCX's "Boom Clap," their version of which has amassed nearly six million views on their YouTube page.

If you want to feel bad about yourself, or just listen to damn good music, sit back and click the video above!

Nashville airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on ABC. Make sure to check out Lennon and Maisy's new book In the Waves here.

Ratings: Criminal Minds Ticks Up With Finale, SVU Hits Series Low

Bookending the dark crime drama, Survivor (9.3 mil/2.1) and CSI: Cyber (7.5 mil/1.2) matched series lows.

Elsewhere….

FOX | American Idol (6.9 mil/1.5) dipped 7 percent and one tenth.

THE CW | Arrow (2.4 mil/0.9) and Supernatural (1.6 mil/0.7) were flat.

NBC | Bubble drama Mysteries of Laura (6.2 mil/0.9) dipped to tie its series low. SVU (6.2 mil/1.2) and Chicago PD (6.7 mil/1.4) were down sharply (43 and 22 percent) from last week’s crossover episodes, with the former hitting a series low in the demo.

ABC | The Middle (6.9 mil/1.7) fell three tenths, Goldbergs (6.8 mil/1.9) dropped two, Modern Family (8.5 mil/2.9) was steady, black-ish (6.9 mil/2.3) rose 15 percent and Nashville (5 mil/1.2) added a few eyeballs while ticking down in the demo.

Charles Esten on the Line in Deacon's Cancer Arc That Nearly Did Him in (Hint: Rayna Said It)

As part of the ABC series’ second live tour, which kicked off April 29 in New York, the actor performs several of his own compositions — some of which happen also to be Deacon’s. For a longtime songwriter who only recently has had tunes embraced by the public, watching people sing along with his lyrics is a heady thing, he says.

“It’s been one of the highlights this year for me to get to do “I Know How to Love You Now,” that I got to write with Deana Carter,” Esten tells TVLine during a brief break the afternoon of the tour’s first show. (Viewers will remember that Esten sang the song live during Nashville‘s Season 3 premiere.) “It speaks to the character so well, and to what Deacon’s been through, so to get to sing that one live is a joy every single time.”

He adds: “I find it means a lot to some of our viewers, that song. I guess it’s, in some cases, the song that a lot of women would like to hear guys sing.” He laughs. “It’s basically a ‘I know, I get it now, I finally get it’ [song], and who doesn’t want to hear that?”

What Rayna-Deacon fans may not want to hear is that the end of the season finds Mr. Claybourne in serious danger of not getting a donor liver in time to save his life. In advance of tonight’s episode (10/9c), read on to hear Esten’s prognosis on his character’s future.

TVLINE | Deacon’s not doing so well. How are his spirits in these last couple of episodes, given that he’s had his hopes dashed at least once?

Well, besides being great drama for our show, the unfortunate aspect of that is that it’s real life for people on that list. It’s not just like you order up a liver, and you know, it’s here. There’s not an app for that kind of thing… I’m glad that we’re showing the ups and downs of it and the hardness of it.

TVLINE | Some of our readers are clamoring to see Deacon officially move into Rayna’s house. Will they get their wish?

I don’t believe that there’s ever like a scene of that. I think it became like a gradual thing, and when it happens it’s — boy, you thought it was interesting combining Avery and Juliette’s lives, because their sensibilities are very different? There’s a lot of that with Deacon, too. He hasn’t sold the house yet, but he’s definitely in there where he should be with Rayna. So no, we haven’t seen some of those moving scenes… We have a scene in Rayna’s in-house recording studio there in her house, and you can see Deacon’s guitars all around the room. So, yeah, it’s happening gradually.

TVLINE | Any hint on whether Deacon will have another potential donor by the end of the season?

That is definitely what we’re looking for, to see who’s going to be able to step up, be a match and save his life.

TVLINE | How much of Deacon’s decision to get back together with Rayna, do you think, was driven by the fact that he may not have much time left?

The point you’re making is there wasn’t time to waste is well taken, but I also think that even without [being sick], he would have jumped right back into that relationship. He was begging her. You know, he said, “Marry me, not him. Marry me,” and then I understood why the writers had it that he would want to protect her [by not telling her]. It’s like, “No, not now. Why now?” Having said that, first of all, the way Connie [Britton] delivered those lines, it was convincing. [Laughs] She was right, is what he realized. The line that moved me the most was, “You can’t protect us from this.” …It actually got me in that moment, when she said that… I think the reason he comes around is she’s right, again and again.

TVLINE | Chip Esten: Saying things ladies like to hear since way back when.

[Laughs] I run into that in my own house! [Laughs]

Jonathan Jackson Shines in Nashville Tour

Twenty-five songs later, I realized maybe it’s the other way around.

I mean, yes, this cast of ABC’s hit series can act. That’s obvious every Wednesday night when I get thoroughly caught up in Deacon’s wait for a liver transplant, Will’s struggle with his homosexuality and Avery’s devotion to Juliette, her music and their baby.

And, sure, I knew they could sing. But after the two-hour show at Chicago’s Rosemont Theatre, it’s crystal clear that this group of seven can entertain every bit as well as the characters they play. Maybe better.

Especially Jonathan Jackson, who made a rare concert appearance along with Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Charles Esten, Aubrey Peeples, the duo of Lennon and Maisy Stella and a five-piece backing band.

When Jackson sat down at the grand piano to play his “How You Learn to Live Alone,” I forgot that he was Avery, the former bar-back, and let myself get to know Jackson, the singer. And then I fell in love with the ballad. The sold-out crowd was on their feet for that one, along with his “Love Rescue Me” and the banjo-heavy “Borrow My Heart,” which he performed with Bowen.

Esten played the part of the show’s crowd pleaser, telling fans toward the end of the show — right before he played “He Ain’t Me” — “You paid a lot of money for those seats, but that don’t mean you gotta use ‘em."

All of the singers took little jabs at their characters throughout the night, too.

Peeples said of Layla, “I feel like Layla has been hated for a very long time. But the new Layla has gotten more evil and manipulative. And she and I don’t share the same experiences. Like, I’ve never been married to a gay cowboy.”

Esten said of Deacon, “That’s pretty much all I ever do: I’m trying to get Rayna.”

Jackson said of Avery, “A while ago, before Avery became a good guy, he had a wonderful girl in his life that he let go.”

Other standouts from the show were Lennon and Maisy’s cover songs, like the Lumineers’ “Ho Hey” and Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” Carmack’s self-penned “Being Alone,” Bowen’s hit from the TV show’s dark side, “Black Roses,” and the full-cast show closer “A Life That’s Good.”

Nashville's Maisy Stella Is Totally Grossed Out by Kissing - And It's Adorable

Maisy and her sister Lennon recently stopped by TVGuide.com to perform and chat about their new children's book In the Waves --yes, they wrote a book. When the topic of their ABC series came up, the conversation turned to Lennon's first on-camera makeout with Colt (Keean Johnson). Blushing about this week's episode when Deacon (Charles Esten) found Maddie and Colt getting dressed following, well, something happening, Lennon tells us she refused to let her entire family watch it. Eleven-year-old Maisy, meanwhile, was totally OK with that. Watch the video above to see her get completely grossed out by the whole thing and proclaim that she'll never have her first kiss on camera. Warning: They're adorable.

Nashville airs on Wednesdays at 10/9c on ABC.

Nashville's Singing Stella Sisters Release a Children's Book and a New Song

Told through lyrics, the colorful picture book In the Waves is the story of two girls on an imaginary adventure that takes them from their bathtub to the seashore, where they swim with whales, surf and build sandcastles. It was inspired by a song they wrote together seven years ago.

"We were in this big Jacuzzi at our aunt and uncle's house," Lennon, 15, tells PEOPLE. "We wrote this chorus, well, we didn't even write it – we sort of just started singing it!"

Over the years, the girls continued to sing the catchy hook, and eventually decided it would make a great song for a book.

"To be honest, I tried to step out of my comfort zone," says Lennon, adding that she's used to writing more folk-based songs. "And Maisy is into pop, but this song is for kids."

But as usual, the song – and music video – were family affairs.

"My mom painted the entire backdrop for the video," says Lennon, who came down with the flu on the day of shoot.

"In between takes, she was laying there so sick!" says Maisy, 11.

So will this book lead to other literary pursuits?

"That would be so cool! It's been an awesome process," says Lennon, as Maisy nods in agreement.

Ratings: Criminal Minds Hits Series Low Against P.D./SVU Crossover

Bookending CBS’ lineup, Survivor (9.2 mil/2.1) and CSI: Cyber (7.2 mil/1.2) also slipped three tenths, both tying series lows.

Elsewhere….

NBC | Airing at 9 pm, the Chicago PD portion of this week’s three-way crossover event did 8.1 mil and a 1.8, rising 21 percent and three tenths to its best numbers since Nov. 12. At 10 pm, SVU (9.2 mil/2.0) similarly surged 26 percent and two tenths, also to its best numbers since Nov. 12.

THE CW | Arrow (2.4 mil/0.8) slipped 11 percent and two tenths, tying its season low in the demo. Supernatural (1.9 mil/0.6) added some eyeballs while flat in the demo.

FOX | American Idol (7.3 mil/1.6) ticked up a tenth week-to-week.

ABC | The Middle (7.3 mil/2.0) rose two tenths in the demo, The Goldbergs (6.7 mil/2.1) and Nashville (4.8 mil/1.3) were steady, and Modern Family (8 mil/2.9) and black-ish (6 mil/2.0) each dipped a tenth. Every ABC show ticked down in audience, however.

Kate Hudson and Her Brother Oliver Hudson Share a Sweet Smooch After Lunch

Kate Hudson and her brother Oliver Hudson stepped out Wednesday afternoon for a casual lunch in Brentwood, Calif. And after enjoying a tasty meal at Early World Café, the siblings couldn't help but show off their love for one another with a farewell smooch.

Wearing short denim shorts with a black tank top and matching heels, Kate went in for a friendly goodbye hug and kiss before heading to her car. Meanwhile, Oliver went Southern California casual with jeans, a white T-shirt and sneakers.

Despite being in the crazy world of Hollywood, Kate has had no problem maintaining a strong relationship with her brother. Whether enjoying vacations together in the mountains or attempting (and ultimately failing) to FaceTime with Justin Timberlake, the twosome knows how to have a good time.

And before you think these two are the only close ones in this family, turns out both siblings have a whole lot of love for their father figure Kurt Russell.

Just last month, both Kate and Oliver posted special birthday messages to the actor. From the looks of things, this is a family united.

"Today in our family we not only celebrate St. Patrick's Day but the birthday of our Pa!" the Almost Famous actress wrote. "Happy Birthday to the most dependable, strong, authentic, loving and fun Dad! I love you!"!

"I love you more than you realize," Oliver added on his own Instagram page. "I look up to you and always will…"

And if you wonder why Kate and her brother spend so much time together, it looks like they may have learned from the best.

"No matter what [Kurt] was doing in his busy life, he always showed up. Not because he had to but because there was no other place on earth he would rather be then with his family," Kate shared. "We felt the purity of that our whole childhood and my gratitude for his love is immeasurable."

Hayden Panettiere is Klitschko's most enthusiastic fan

In fact, based on the scenes at Wladimir Klitschko’s successful heavyweight title defense at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, she loves it.

Clad in a black and gold blazer and matching dress, the “Nashville” star, 25, was all smiles and triumphant yells as she cheered on her fiancé, 39, during his unanimous victory over Bryant Jennings.

Panettiere and Klitschko announced their plans to wed in 2013. Last year, the actress gave birth to the couple’s first child, a daughter named Kaya Evdokia Klitschko.

Christina Aguilera Jokes About Nashville Success: 'I'm Finally Beating Blake at Something'

Christina Aguilera is loving the fact that she is one step ahead of fellow Voice coach Blake Shelton.

"I'm finally beating Blake at something. It's amazing and awesome, but you know, I'm milking every second of it," Aguilera, 34, told reporters at the The Voice Spring Break Concert on Thursday.

Though not exactly ahead on The Voice, the "Beautiful" singer recently took the No. 3 position on the iTunes Top 100 Country Songs chart for "Shotgun," a song that was featured on ABC's Nashville this week, pushing Shelton's "Sangria" down to the No. 4 spot.

Aguilera is currently guest-starring on Nashville as Jade St. John, a successful pop singer whose dream is to sing country music, wowed the crowd with her performance of the hit song at the American Country Music Awards on Sunday.

However, when it comes down to the nitty gritty, Shelton is focusing on one competition. "None of my people have left," Shelton playfully teased about The Voice judge's dueling teams. "Christina can't say the same."

Ratings: Mysteries of Laura Returns Up From Its Latest, 3-Week Break

Elsewhere….

THE CW | Arrow (2.7 mil/0.9) was steady, while Supernatural (1.8 mil/0.7) ticked up.

FOX | American Idol (7.4 mil/1.5) dropped a handful of eyeballs but rose a tenth in the demo week-to-week.

CBS | Survivor (9.8 mil/2.3) grew 4 percent in viewers (to a best-since-premiere audience) and ticked up in the demo. Criminal Minds (9.9 mil/1.9) dipped 5 percent and two tenths, tying a series low. CSI: Cyber (8.3 mil/1.5) was flat.

ABC | The Middle (7.8 mil/1.8) slipped two tenths, Goldbergs (7.1 mil/2.1) and Modern Family (8.8 mil/2.9) each dipped one tenth, black-ish (6.6 mil/2.1) added two tenths and Nashville (5.4 mil/1.3) inched up one tenth.

White House Correspondents' Dinner Guests

Hayden Panettiere Dishes on Her "Fabulous" Life as a New Mom: "You Don't Care About Yourself Anymore"

Four months after she gave birth to daughter Kaya Evdokia Klitschko, the 25-year-old actress opened up about her "out of body experience" as a new mom on ABC's Good Morning America Monday. "You know what it's like," she told co-anchor Lara Spencer, who has two kids of her own. "As long as your kids are healthy and happy and all good, I mean, it's fabulous. It's fabulous!"

Hayden also agreed that motherhood "absolutely" changed her lease on life.

"You just reprioritize, as you said before, and you hear that they're healthy and you don't care about yourself anymore," the actress explained. "I mean, it's the most out of body experience where you go, 'I will completely lay myself on the line for my child,' without even a hesitation."

"That's a beautiful feeling," Lara told her.

"It is," said Hayden, who is engaged to boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko.

Hayden was on the show to promote Nashville's third season. Though the actress' real-life pregnancy inspired her character's pregnancy, that's where the similarities end. "She's trying to find herself. As you know, as a mother, you feel like you lose yourself for a second—which you should—and you're giving yourself and dedicating yourself to another person, but she is terrified that that is going to disappear, that all the work she's done throughout the years. That's her identity!"

Would Hayden ever consider becoming a country music artist herself?

"I would love to," said the star, who released a pop single, "Wake Up Call," in 2008. "My only hesitation was that people would not be able to differentiate between Juliette Barnes and myself. I feel like I want to dedicate myself toe the role that I'm doing. So maybe down the road! Maybe down the road! Maybe down the road! But I've got to find myself. I've gotta find that route and what I want to be and tell the story, because that's the greatest thing about country music is that it just has a through line of honesty. It's telling a story no matter what you're doing, even if you're telling a story about partying, you know? It's honest!"

Ratings: Nashville, CW Dramas Rise; Survivor Slips, Criminal Minds Dips

Leading out of that, Criminal Minds (10.2 mil/2.0) dipped a tenth in the demo, while CSI: Cyber (8.1 mil/1.5) was steady.

Elsewhere….

FOX | American Idol (7.5 mil/1.4) grew 14 percent in audience week-to-week while steady in the demo.

THE CW | Arrow (2.4 mil/0.9) and Supernatural (1.8 mil/0.7) each ticked up in the demo.

ABC | The Middle (7.4 mil/1.9) was steady. The 8:30 Goldbergs (6.9 mil/2.1) ticked up a tenth, while the 9:30 installment (5.7 mil/1.9) matched black-ish‘s most recent numbers. Nashville (4.6 mil/1.2) rose a tenth.

NBC | Rampant with reruns.

Christina Aguilera on Her Nashville Role and Whether She'd Ever Record a Country Album

"I think my roots will stay where they are," she tells PEOPLE, "but that doesn't mean there won't be more collaborations down the line."

In the same vein, this won't be the last time we see Aguilera, 34, on the small screen. "My experiences in acting have been really great, so if the role is right I am always open to it," she says, adding that her "true love will always stay music."

Aguilera is set to portray Jade St. John, a successful pop singer whose dream is to sing country music. As the "Beautiful" singer tells it, Jade "is caught between her love and her passion and what the record label wants of her as an artist."

No stranger to changing up her look, Aguilera went brunette – and pink! – to portray Jade, who, like Aguilera, also "play[s] around" with a number of "colorful looks" when she hits the stage.

Though she has a regular entry into the country world thanks to her fellow Voice judge Blake Shelton, Aguilera says that jumping into that world in earnest taught her what we already knew: "There are really no nicer people than in country," she shares. "The show couldn't have been more welcoming and great to work with. On my last day of shooting, they even gave me a cake. It was such a great experience for my family."

In honor of her entry into this brave new world, Aguilera will be performing a duet at the Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday. Her partner remains a mystery, but Aguilera was able to spill a few details about the performance.

Set to perform two songs at the ACMs, Aguilera reveals that one of them – "Shotgun" – will be featured on her second episode of Nashville, airing April 22. "I really love the song. It speaks to long-lasting love, the roads it takes, the turns it makes and how it lasts forever. When I perform it, I really think of that older couple who have been through it all and who have stood the test of time with the changes that their relationship goes through."

While the song will be performed as a duet on Sunday, "Shotgun" will be sung solo by Aguilera's Jade on Nashville, which airs Wednesdays (10 p.m. ET) on ABC.

'Nashville' is 'lucky' to have Christina Aguilera

Charles Esten: Talk about verisimilitude or, as I call it, "stealing from the truth" when we're playing this world of a pop diva who wants to come and be part of country. I don't think we could have made a better choice. We're real lucky to have her.

Zap2it: Who are some other music stars you've met who have particularly impressed you?

Charles Esten: I did a Christmas show with Kelly Clarkson at [Nashville's] Bridgestone Arena -- her charity event, and she was kind enough to invite me to be a part of it. I've gotten to know her a little bit, and I have not heard a note that she cannot just shine with. Her voice blows me away. It's not at the exclusion of anyone else, but she's one of the most amazing singers I've heard.

Zap2it: Though you've kept a home in California, as "Nashville" nears the end of its third season, do you feel like a resident of that city.

Charles Esten: Technically, I'm a resident of Tennessee now, and I have been for a little while. We just ended up selling our [West Coast] house, so we are full-on Nashvillians ... and my whole family has just fallen in love with this town and the special people they have here. It's great to give back to a place that has given me everything.

We miss all our friends back there, of course, but thank goodness for social media. The kids are able to stay in touch with their friends, and so are we.

Ratings: Nashville Hits Low, Idol Falls, Voice Boosts SVU, Survivor Ticks Up

In total viewers, it was the musical drama’s second-smallest audience ever.

Opening ABC’s night, The Middle (7.2 mil/1.8) was steady, while The Goldbergs (6.5 mil/1.9) dipped 9 percent and one tenth. Leading out of a Modern Family rerun, black-ish (6.1 mil/1.9) dropped 18 and 20 percent.

Elsewhere….

FOX | American Idol (6.5 mil/1.4) fell 24 and 22 percent week-to-week.

NBC | Leading out of a special Voice airing (9.5 mil/2.1), SVU (7.5 mil/1.8) surged 16 and 20 percent, hitting its best demo number since Nov. 18. Chicago PD (6.8 mil/1.5) ticked down a tenth.

CBS | Survivor (9.6 mil/2.3) inched up a tenth, Criminal Minds‘ planted spinoff episode (10/1 mil/2.0) dipped a tenth, and CSI: Cyber (8.1 mil/1.4) was steady.

Bubble Watch: Which Broadcast Series Are In Danger Of Cancellation

Visible Voices Nashville Tribute Show

Ratings: Arrow, Survivor, Middle and Goldbergs Slip; SVU, black-ish Rise

Modern Family (9.3 mil/2.9) was flat in the demo, while black-ish (7.4 mil/2.4) popped 16 and 14 percent. Nashville (5.1 mil/1.3) dipped a tenth, tying its season low.

Elsewhere….

CBS | Survivor (9.5 mil/2.1) slipped two tenths in the demo. The conclusion of The Dovekeepers (6.4 mil/0.9) dropped 30 percent in audience and a tenth in the demo from its Tuesday opener.

FOX | American Idol (8.4 mil/1.7) was flat week-to-week.

NBC | Bubble drama Mysteries of Laura (6.4 mil/1.0) was flat, SVU (6.3 mil/1.5) rose two tenths and Chicago PD (6.9 mil/1.6) ticked up a tenth.

THE CW | Arrow (2.4 mil/0.8) slipped 17 percent and two tenths, tying a season low in the demo. Supernatural (1.7 mil/0.6) dipped a tenth, matching its series low in the demo.

Nashville's Daddy Issues

CSI: Miami vet Rex Linn has been cast as the country crooner’s father on the ABC drama, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Linn will recur as Bill Lexington, a hard-working family man who’s also deeply conservative — which will not bode well for his closeted son.

The actor will appear toward the end of Nashville‘s third season, with the option to return in Season 4, should the series be renewed. His recent TV credits include The Lottery and State of Affairs.

Ratings: With Empire Out of the Mix, Only One 9 O'Clock Show Went Up...?

In their first outings since Empire finaled, CBS’ Criminal Minds (with 9.9 million total viewers and a 2.0 rating) dipped in audience plus a tenth in the demo, NBC’s SVU (6 mil/1.3) fell 22 and 19 percent (tying its series low) and ABC’s Modern Family (8.5 mil/2.8) slipped 11 and 18 percent. (black-ish fared a bit better, only dipping 3 and 9 percent, to 6.5 mil/2.1.)

In fact, of all the broadcast shows airing in Empire‘s 9/8c time slot, only The CW’s Supernatural (1.7 mil/0.7) saw any gain, rising a singular tenth in the demo while flat in audience.

Elsewhere on the night….

NBC | Bubble drama Mysteries of Laura (6.4 mil/1.0) dropped 16 and 29 percent; Chicago PD (6.3 mil/1.5) slipped 15 percent in audience while steady in the demo.

FOX | American Idol (8.3 mil/1.7) dropped 14 and 29 percent week-to-week.

CBS | Survivor (9.5 mil/2.2) ticked down, while CSI: Cyber (8.1 mil/1.4) was steady.

THE CW | Arrow (2.8 mil/1.0) added a few eyeballs plus a tenth in the demo.

ABC | The Middle (7.2 mil/1.) slipped 12 and 18 percent, The Goldbergs (6.7 mil/2.0) fell 15 and 20 percent and Nashville (4.1 mil/0.8) dropped 23 and 20 percent from last year’s “On the Record” special.

FIRST LOOK: Christina Aguilera Joins Nashville

The Voice mentor will guest star on Nashville – and PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at the singer in character.

Aguilera, 34, will play Jade St. John, a pop superstar who has always wanted to record a country album but has been shackled by her label to stay "on brand in the pop world," according to ABC.

And in true Nashville fashion, Aguilera's character will also have a dramatic connection to one of the ABC drama's other characters: Jade is the ex-fiancée of former music exec Jeff Fordham (Oliver Hudson).

"Jeff is forced to revisit his past and work with the woman who once played a large role in both his personal and professional lives," says the network.

Aguilera's first episode of Nashville airs April 15 at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

Nashville airs Wednesdays (10 p.m. ET) on ABC.

'Nashville: On the Record': Lennon and Maisy, Charles Esten and other stars croon with Reba McEntire

Last year, ABC's "Nashville: On the Record" episode showcased the actors performing for a concert audience in the title city, and they also took that show to Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C. Part of that history repeats as the network airs the new "Nashville: On the Record 2" Wednesday (March 25), with Charles Esten, Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Will Chase, Aubrey Peeples, Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio and sisters Lennon and Maisy Stella among those displaying the vocal talents they also apply to the drama series.

They share Nashville's legendary Grand Ole Opry stage with actual country royalty, too, in the hour taped at the end of January. Reba McEntire offers her single "Going Out Like That," and Deana Carter joins Esten on a song they co-wrote, "I Know How to Love You Now."

"From the very beginning," the friendly Esten tells Zap2it, "I said, 'This show is not a dream come true for me. It's multiple dreams come true.' I started out as a musician back in college, and I wasn't sure what I was going to do, always thinking I'd be able to do the music along the way. Early on, I got to play Buddy Holly in a stage production and got to do some song improv, but it never really came together like this has. It's just heaven for me right now."

Popular among "Nashville" fans as Rayna's (Connie Britton) once-and-again love Deacon, Esten -- who goes by the nickname "Chip" -- reports he met his then-future singing-songwriting partner Carter "on a flight, and her kids were fans of the Disney Channel show 'Jessie,' on which I played the dad. That's how she knew me, and I knew her, of course. And we kept threatening to write together, and we finally got to."

The result of their collaboration became a part of "Nashville," which is now in its third season. Esten recalls, "Callie Khouri, the great writer-creator of the show (and Oscar-winning writer of the 1991 movie 'Thelma & Louise'), came to me and said, 'I'm about to write a scene where Deacon proposes to Rayna. Is there anything you think you'd like to say?' And I said, 'Well, it's a funny thing you should say that ... .' " Esten mentioned the just-written song, and Khouri's "eyes lit up and she said, 'Can we use that?' And I thought, 'Uh-oh.' "

Not only was Esten pleased to perform "I Know How to Love You Now" on the series, he's happy to team with Carter in rendering it on the new "On the Record" episode. "She and Reba are just who they are," he says, "very kind and welcoming and open. Over Christmas, Reba had a party, and we were sitting side-by side by the piano singing carols with friends. You're definitely pinching yourself while all of this is going on."

Nashville Spring Concert Tour Performers and Dates Announced

Additionally, Sam Palladio will join the tour for the New York and Los Angeles shows while Jonathan Jackson will appear during the Chicago date. Tickets for all shows go on sale this Friday, March 27 (via Ticketmaster except where noted below).

The dates and places are as follows:
Wednesday, April 29: New York (Beacon Theater)
Saturday, May 2: Boston (Wang Theater)
Sunday, May 3: Washington, D.C. (DAR Constitution Hall)
Tuesday, May 5: Chicago (Rosemont Auditorium)
Wednesday, May 6: Minneapolis (Northrup Auditorium, tickets via Northrop.umn.edu/events/music)
Friday, May 8: San Francisco (Warfield Theater, tickets via AXS.com)
Saturday, May 9: Los Angeles (Nokia Theater L.A. LIVE, tickets via AXS.com)
Sunday, May 10: Phoenix (Comerica Theater)

Connie Britton Joins 'American Crime Story: The People V. O.J. Simpson'

The mini takes a look at the O.J. Simpson trial told from the perspective of the lawyers that explores the chaotic behind-the-scenes dealings and maneuvering on both sides of the court, and how a combination of prosecution confidence, defense wiliness, and the LAPD’s history with the city’s African-American community gave a jury what it needed: reasonable doubt.

Britton joins Courtney B. Vance who plays Johnnie Cochran, John Travolta, who plays Simpson’s co-counsel Robert Shapiro; David Schwimmer, who plays another Simpson attorney, his confidant Robert Kardashian, Cuba Gooding Jr, who portrays Simpson; and Sarah Paulson, who plays prosecutor Marcia Clark.

American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson is written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski. Ryan is executive producing with fellow AHS co-creator Brad Falchuk, Nina Jacobson & Brad Simpson, Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski and Dante Di Loreto.

Kimberly Williams-Paisley Renews Vows with Brad Paisley in a Wedding Dress -- and Hot-Pink Panties!

“We did a really campy wedding-vow-renewal ceremony at a friend’s house,” Williams-Paisley, 43, told reporters at the 23rd annual “A Night at Sardi’s” gala for the Alzheimer’s Association in Beverly Hills on Wednesday. “It was awesome.”

Though the bride did wear a wedding dress, she had a little something special on for Brad underneath. “You could see my pink panties,” laughed Williams. “It was either Spanx or pink panties!”

But those pink panties were about as racy as the evening got. “Well, we’re parents now,” said Williams-Paisley. “So the night ended with a nice bedtime story.”

The couple have two sons, Huck, 8, and Jasper, 5, who are both, according to the actress, amazing kids to be around.

“We love hanging out with them,” added Williams-Paisley. “My oldest son has just started reading like crazy. He loves comic books. He loves Calvin and Hobbes. He’s halfway through the Harry Potter series. They both have hilarious and unique personalities.”

So are there future country music stars at the Paisley home?

“There’s potential for sure,” Williams-Paisley told PEOPLE. “We don’t want to push them in either direction, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s where they ended up.”

Hayden Panettiere Goes on Her First "Solo Trip" Since Giving Birth to Kaya

The Nashville actress tweeted a selfie and wrote, "Momma's first solo trip." She included two nerve-wracking emojis to show that she might not have been ready to leave her daughter and fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, just yet. Even though it has been only 12 short weeks since Panettiere gave birth, we have to say she looks absolutely flawless in her minimal makeup selfie.

Dressed in a casual white button down with anchors printed on it, Panettiere appears effortlessly chic while hanging out in her airplane seat. With the sun shining through the window, she literally and figuratively is glowing! Her skin doesn't look to have any blemishes either, making her actually #flawless.

Panettiere welcomed Kaya with the heavyweight-boxing champion on Dec. 9, 2014, but with both of their busy schedules and a newborn, they still haven't found time to turn their engagement into a marriage. But they don't mind because they already have something tying them together to life: Kaya.

"When people get married there are different things they promise to each other, and I understand the promising part, but I think [having] children is something that connects you until the end of your days no matter what," Klitschko told Us Weekly. "And I think that, Kaya, our daughter, has connected us forever. And that's the most amazing thing. Everything else is coming, it's something that needs to be planned…but as I said, the connection with the child is better than any marriage!"

He has a big fight coming up on Apr. 25, so maybe after that they can finally tie the knot! If she looks this good on a flight, we can only imagine how gorgeous she'll be on her wedding day.

Kate Hudson, Oliver Hudson and Mom Goldie Hawn's Sweet Birthday Messages for Kurt Russell

In honor of her mom Goldie Hawn's partner of more than 30 years, Hudson (whose biological father is Hawn's ex-husband Bill Hudson) posted a sweet picture of the man she calls "Pa" on Instagram.

"Today in our family we not only celebrate St Patricks Day but the birthday of our Pa!" she wrote. "Happy Birthday to the most dependable, strong, authentic, loving and fun Dad! I love you! This is a man who made his family his number one priority his whole life. Never missed a school play, a soccer game, a hockey game, a dance recital and the list goes on and on. No matter what he was doing in his busy life, he always showed up. Not because he had to but because there was no other place on earth he would rather be then with his family. We felt the purity of that our whole childhood and my gratitude for his love is immeasurable. Happy Birthday Pa."

Her mom also chimed in with a birthday Tweet for her "Amazing wild and awesome man," as did Hudson's brother, Oliver.

He posted a pic of Russell as "Snake" Plissken from his cult hit film Escape from New York and wrote on Instagram, "Happy birthday to the greatest dad in Santa Monica.. I love you more than you realize.. Before you came into my life, I was only potential and you made me, forced me, to find my confidence, my independence and strive for the elusive fearlessness that you so matter of factly possess.. I look up to you and always will.. And when I told you I had a small penis, your answer was moving.. 'It's okay son, there's a snake in all of us.' "

Christina Aguilera on Nashville: First Look at the Voice Coach in Music City

The pop star/Voice coach on Tuesday posted a photo to her Instagram account showing her — with dark hair! — on the ABC drama’s set. The caption reads: “Jade’s been busy studying her lines. Can’t wait for #Nashville!”

Her character, Jade St. John, is described as “a chart-topping pop princess who yearns to unleash her inner twang on a country record — and might finally get the opportunity during a two-night stand in Music City.” Aguilera reportedly will appear in multiple episodes.

See the photo here.

Oliver Hudson Joins 'Scream Queens' As Joe Manganiello Has To Pull Out

The gig on Scream Queens won’t affect Hudson’s status on ABC’s Nashville, whose fate for next season is still unclear. Hudson has a one-year series regular deal on the country music drama and will be juggling it with Scream Queens until the ABC series wraps production.

The first installment of Scream Queens, slated for the fall, revolves around a college campus that is rocked by a series of murders. Details about Hudson’s role are being kept under wraps though I hear he would be playing a hot dad. He is repped by ICM, Management 360, and Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca.

Lauren Graham and Connie Britton

Christina Aguilera Is 'Having Lots of Fun' Filming Her Nashville Guest Spot

Christina Aguilera posted a conversation-starting new brunette pic on her Instagram Monday night that would beg to differ.

We're guessing it's just a wig, though, since the Voice coach, 34, captioned the shot: "Look at all that hair! Having lots of fun on the set of #Nashville. More to come!"

Though no date has been announced for her guest appearance on the Music City soap, Aguilera previously told The Hollywood Reporter: "My character is a successful pop singer who desperately wants to move into the country world, as that is her true passion. But she is caught between her passion and what the label wants her to do."

Clare Bowen Opens Up About Cyber Bullies

“Social media can be a really, really good thing, and it can also be used against you,” Bowen says in a recent radio interview. “People will create trolls. Basically, it’s hate through recreation. So they will create account after account after account. And you can block them and block them and block them, but they’ll just create another one. And it’s literally just to abuse you.”

She’s right, of course. The anonymity of the Internet gives people courage to speak their minds, even when their words are cruel and hateful. You can do a world of hurt even with only 140 characters.

Bowen says the trash talking makes her think, “Well, you’re either a sociopath, or your life is not very nice at all.” And it makes sense that Bowen says she is “staying away from it” for the moment.

“My interests are in books and family and love, and I love my work,” she said.

But she did make one really good a friend on Twitter: Ella Berman, a cancer patient in Ottawa.

“She’s the one friend that I’ve sort of connected with on a personal level. So, it can be this really wonderful thing where you find each other and you inspire each other, she’s fantastic, I love her,” Bowen said about the silver lining in the cloud of social media.

Kimberly Williams-Paisley Squeaks Into 'Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Road Chip'

Williams-Paisley co-starred on According To Jim and her recent TV credits include runs on Two And A Half Men and Nashville. She was on the big screen in last year’s Ask Me Anything and next stars in the features Eden Court and Say The Sinner’s Prayer. She is repped by Gersh Agency and Link Entertainment.

Ratings: Empire Breaks 14 Million, Idol Drops, CSI: Cyber Solid, Middle Rises

Versus its January debut, the musical sudser is now up 43 and 50 percent.

Opening Fox’s night, American Idol (8.8 mil/2.1) dropped 15 and 19 percent week-to-week.

Elsewhere….

CBS | CSI: Cyber officially debuted to 10.3 mil and a 1.8, improving sharply on Stalker’s most performance (7.6 mil/1.4) leading out of a fresh Criminal Minds, though shy in the demo of Stalker’s own launch (9.1 mil/2.0). Opening the Eye’s night, Survivor (9.9 mil/2.3) ticked down while Criminal Minds (10.5 mil/1.9) grew in audience yet was flat in the demo.

ABC | The Middle (8.3 mil/2.2) rose two tenths, black-ish (6.8 mil/2.3) and Nashville (5.3 mil/1.4) each ticked up one tenth, and The Goldbergs (7.9 mil/2.5) and Modern Family (9.6 mil/3.4) were flat.

THE CW | Leading out of an Arrow rerun, Part 1 of The 100‘s Season 2 finale (1.5 mil/0.5) held steady.

Laura Benanti stars in 'a love letter to New York City'

"They'll be like, 'You're the girl from the thing!' And then I just go, 'Yeah!'" the actress said, laughing. "Then they say, 'Which thing?' And I answer, 'I don't know. I don't know what you watch, darling.'"

Forgive some confusion when it comes to pinning down this very special talent who has mastered theater, TV, comedy, drama, YouTube, musicals, cabaret and concerts. She's even working on a book.

Benanti can do so many things well that her manager recently gave her a choice: we can focus on one thing or keep doing everything and let people catch up. They chose to let us catch up.

"I have a lot of things that I like to do," she said. "Not that I'm necessarily amazing in all of them, but there's a lot of things I like to do and I feel lucky and grateful that I'm getting to do all of them."

This month she's pushing the boundaries of her career even further by headlining the "New York Spring Spectacular" at the 5,800-seat Radio City Music Hall.

Benanti sings and dances alongside some 40 Rockettes and massive puppets in a show led by Tony-winning director Diane Paulus and Tony winning director and choreographer Warren Carlyle. "Dancing with the Stars" dancers Derek Hough co-stars.

"This feels like to me a combination of the biggest, broadest musical you've ever seen and Cirque du Soleil," she said in an interview in her Manhattan apartment. "It's aptly named — it is a spectacular."

Benanti plays a billionaire CEO who buys a tour company and hopes to replace it with virtual-reality experiences. A veteran guide shows her the error of her ways.

The show features many New York City landmarks — a 26-foot tall talking and moving Statue of Liberty and the lion statues guarding the Public Library, are just a few — and Benanti calls it "a love letter to New York City."

She would love if the show rekindles a love for human interaction in this hyper-digital age. "I'm hoping that people will leave the theater and put their devices away and then go explore the city together as a family," she said.

Carlyle, who has long admired Benanti from afar, has finally gotten to work with her and called her "special," ''fearless" and "generous."

"She's a true leading lady, in the real old-fashioned sense of the world," he said. "I love being in her presence. She makes me feel like anything is possible."

Though the show has plenty of eye-popping moving parts, Benanti has the most admiration for her leggy co-stars — those high-kicking Rockettes.

"They are superheroes. They are artists and they are athletes," she said. "I challenge any football player or basketball player — those are the only sports I know, I'm sorry — to come up against these women, who are giving you heart and soul and kicks for days."

One of the Rockettes, who has two children, recently gave birth to a third and Benanti has watched her juggle motherhood and dancing. "Anytime I'm like, 'I'm tired,' I'm like, 'No you're not. You're absolutely not tired.'"

Carlyle said Benanti's respect for the Rockettes makes sense: "She's an extremely, extremely gifted lady but she also turns up and works very hard. There's no sense of entitlement. The Rockettes are very similar — they're very disciplined and they're highly trained, highly skilled women. Laura is able to appreciate that."

Benanti, who won a Tony in the Broadway revival of "Gypsy," has seen her profile rise of late thanks to TV appearances on "Nurse Jackie," ''Nashville," ''The Good Wife," ''Go On" and NBC's live version of "The Sound of Music." She also has a CD, "In Constant Search of the Right Kind of Attention."

Benanti fans will get even more soon: She's landed the role of Supergirl's mother on an upcoming CBS show and she'll be back on Broadway in spring 2016 opposite Josh Radnor in the musical "She Loves Me."

She credits the uptick in interest to sheer momentum and from her letting go of the notion of remaining just a serious theater actress. Now she tweets with abandon and makes hysterical viral videos.

"I just got more comfortable with myself and I realized, if I'm not interested in being Julia Roberts, which I'm not, then why don't I just enjoy my life and calm down and stop trying to claw my ways toward some invisible dragon?" she said. "It made me a much happier person and, ironically, people were like, 'Oh, hi!'"

Ratings: Empire Up Again; Goldbergs, Dunphys and Laura Surge; Idol Dips

That 5.3 also marks the highest rating for any network drama since Grey’s Anatomy circa September 2010.

Opening Fox’s night, Idol’s Top 12 guys did 10.2 mil and a 2.6, down 5 percent and two tenths week-to-week.

Elsewhere….

CBS | Survivor opened its 30th season with 9.9 million viewers — its most watched premiere since fall 2012 — and a 2.3 rating, down 15 percent in the demo vs. last cycle but off just a tenth from a year ago. The Amazing Race returned on a special night to 6.1 mil/1.5, on par with its year-ago opener and up sharply from this past fall’s Friday launch.

NBC | Bubble drama Mysteries of Laura‘s Will & Grace reunion (7.6 mil/1.4) surged 30 and 27 percent. SVU (7.7 mil/1.6) grew in audience while flat in the demo. Chicago PD (7.3 mil/1.5) slipped two tenths.

ABC | The Goldbergs‘ Ferris Bueller tribute (7.5 mil/2.5, tying a season high) and Modern Family’s iPisode (9.3 mil/3.4) each grew three tenths in the demo. black-ish (6.7 mil/2.3) and Nashville (4.9 mil/1.4) each ticked up one tenth, while The Middle (7.4 mil/2.0) slipped two tenths.

THE CW | Arrow (2.9 mil/1.0) slipped two tenths; The 100 (1.8 mil/0.6) rose 26 and 20 percent, marking its second most watched episode of the season and a season high in the demo.

Laura Benanti cast as 'Supergirl's' birth mother

Deadline reports the "Nashville" star will play Alura Zor-El, Kara's (Melissa Benoist) birth mother, who sends her to Earth to escape Krypton's destruction. Alura's influence plays a strong role in Kara's "Supergirl" transformation. If the show gets picked up to series, Benanti will have a recurring part.

Greg Berlanti ("The Flash," "Arrow") and Ali Adler ("Glee," "No Ordinary Family") are writing and executive producing the pilot. "Supergirl" will focus on 24-year-old Kara Zor-El as she tries to embrace her super powers, which she has been hiding since arriving on Earth.

With Benanti being a Tony winner and Benoist being a "Glee" star, it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility for "Supergirl" to include a song or two at some point.

Ratings: Empire Flirts With 13 Million, Mentalist Finale Dips, P.D. Rises

Opening Fox’s night, American Idol (10.5 mil/2.7) dipped a tenth week-to-week. (Also, Fox notes, Idol is up 6 percent in audience while down just 7 percent in the demo year-over-year.)

Elsewhere….

CBS | The Mentalist‘s two-hour series finale did 10.2 mil and a 1.3, up 12 percent to a best-since-season premiere audience while ticking down in the demo. Stalker (7.2 mil/1.3) also dipped a tenth.

NBC | Mysteries of Laura (5.8 mil/1.1) inched up a tenth, SVU (6.4 mil/1.6) gained two tenths and Chicago PD (7 mil/1.7) grew three tenths.

ABC | The Middle (7.7 mil/2.2) and black-ish (6.5 mil/2.2) each ticked up a tenth, Nashville (4.7 mil/1.3) dipped, Modern Family (8.8 mil/3.0) slipped 10 percent (to a season low audience) and three tenths, and Goldbergs (6.8 mil/2.2) was flat.

THE CW | Arrow (2.8 mil/1.1) was flat, while The 100 (1.6 mil/0.6) ticked up.

'Nashville' flame Chip Esten married college sweetheart

He'd hear the high-pitched vroom-na-na-na-na of the moped's engine on campus at William & Mary in Virginia. And Esten's head would whip around, hoping for a glance of her blonde hair bouncing behind her pretty face.

"All I knew is that she was gorgeous and she was taken," Esten said.

But that would soon change.

Esten, who plays tortured songwriter Deacon on ABC's "Nashville," gets lots of attention from female fans.

Like Deacon, Esten can sing and play guitar. Unlike Deacon, the actor has been in a committed, monogamous relationship for nearly all of his adult life: He has been married to his college sweetheart, Patty Hanson, for 23 years.

And their first date came on Valentine's Day, 29 years ago.

But it would be two and a half years before Esten would land that date with the pretty girl on the moped.

Hanson indeed had a boyfriend, but they broke up her junior year.

That's when she saw Esten as lead singer of a band playing a fundraiser gig in Williamsburg, Va., for Amnesty International.

Esten saw the pretty moped girl in the audience, but didn't know she had split with her boyfriend. So he asked the band to play a cover of the Dire Straits' "Romeo & Juliet," a song about a guy who professes his love to girl who is taken.

By chance, she loved Dire Straits and loved that song.

"He didn't even know it was the perfect song," Hanson said, laughing.

The band took a break soon after, but Esten was too nervous to approach her. So he walked past her about 15 to 20 times instead.

Hanson caught on fairly quickly, and she eventually stuck out her hand and said, "Hi, my name is Patty."

Esten's response?

"I said, 'I know you, you've got a boyfriend,' and she said, 'Not recently.' And I was like, 'Oh really?' "

The two started talking, and they set a date for lunch at a local sandwich shop on Feb. 14, 1986.

They've been together since. The couple moved to Nashville last year.

"And we have three amazing kids. We love this city that this job brought us here for. I'm very blessed," Hanson said.

Esten also feels fortunate.

"I look back and see a foolish kid. I made a million mistakes," he said. "I don't know how that guy, that foolish kid did that one smart thing that would change his life, and that was, hold on to her."

His wife loves hearing that.

"I just feel like I'm the luckiest girl in the world," Hanson said. "I mean, I'm married to Deacon!"

Look Which Coach from The Voice Is Joining Nashville!

The Voice coach Christina Aguilera – who just graced the cover of PEOPLE with her infant daughter, Summer Rain – will join the ABC drama for a multi-episode arc this spring, PEOPLE has learned exclusively.

Aguilera, who will return to NBC's talent show on Feb. 23, has been cast as Jade St. John, a pop superstar who’s been going pretty much nonstop since she broke out a decade ago. She arrives to Nashville for a two-night stand at the Bridgestone, but her real dream is to record a country album – if only her label, who wants her to stay on brand as a pop star, would let her break out of her golden cage.

In addition to her gig on The Voice, Aguilera is set to produce a TV series for ABC Family and has plans to record a new album. She told PEOPLE that she's "not rushed" to wed Matt Rutler, the father of their 6-month-old daughter Summer Rain.

"Our love is secure enough that we don't need a wedding to prove our love or commitment," Aguilera told PEOPLE. "We are enjoying our daughter, our family and our work for now."

'Empire' Ratings Rise To New Highs, 'Arrow' Down, 'Mentalist' & 'Black-ish' Up As Fox Wins Night

Once the jewel in Fox’s crown itself, Empire lead-in American Idol (2.7/9) was down 12% among the demo last night. Still Fox easily won the night in both the demo and viewers with a 3.7/12 rating and an audience of 11.16 million with Empire the highest-rated and most watched show of the night.

And, despite some college basketball preemptions in a few markets, it was a competitive night in Empire’s 9 PM slot on Wednesday to some degree. Sure, CBS’ Criminal Minds (2.0/6) was even with last week’s series low but NBC’s Law & Order: SVU (1.4/4) was up 8% in the demo coming off a low last week. ABC’s double Valentine’s themed comedy shot of Modern Family (3.3/10) and black-ish (2.2/6) saw the former slip 2% from last week but the latter stride forward 16% from its last original of January 14. That black-ish result is the best the new series has done in the demo since December 10 last year. The CW’s The 100 (0.6/2) had the best result of the slot and the night in terms of growth with a 20% rise from last week – which was even stronger in some sense being that lead-in Arrow (1.0/3) was down 17%.

In general, CBS had a good night with The Mentalist (1.5/5) up 25% from last week at 8 PM and freshman Stalker (1.4/4) bopping up 8% from last week’s low. Over on NBC, The Mysteries Of Laura were up 10% at 8 PM while Chicago P.D. took a 13% hit to tie a series low in early numbers.

ABC’s night started with The Middle (2.1/7) and The Goldbergs (2.3/7), which were down 5% from last week and even with its last new show of January 14 respectively. In its second week back from winter break, Nashville (1.4/4) was up 8% from its season low of February 4.

Chris Carmack on Why Playing a Closeted Gay Character Is 'Humbling'

"I definitely have conversations with people in the real world about this character and what he's going through," the actor tells PEOPLE of playing Lexington, a rising country star who is struggling with his identity as a gay man.

"I've had people come up to me in a bar here in Nashville and say, 'So, what's that like man, having to play the gay guy?' Then I talk to them a little bit about the character and what he's going through. And I've gotten some real flabbergasted responses of people going, 'Wow. I never thought about it that way.' It's humbling to play a role and realize maybe that person came away thinking about things a little different."

That's the power of Lexington's story, Carmack, 34, says.

"It's not just about gay or straight; it's a very universal theme about a guy who feels like he has to sacrifice happiness in order to achieve his dream," he continues. "I hope it exposes an audience that may feel uncomfortable with the subject to a really great story that opens up dialogue. I know it has for me. I don't have any expectations that this character will change the world, but for those people for whom it opens up a little compassion and understanding, I think it's a very important role."

Wladimir Klitschko -- Childbirth Is Tougher Than Any Fighter ... 'Hayden Is a Hero'

Wlad says Hayden's pain tolerance must be through the roof in order for her to have pushed out their giant baby 2 months ago ... saying he now believes women are WAY tougher than any boxer.

"Every woman is a hero."

Hayden might be more of a hero than most ... considering their daughter Kaya was 7 lbs., 14 oz. and damn near 2 feet tall. Hayden's only 5 feet tall.

#Salute

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