'Nashville' Series Finale Airs Tonight: Will Rayna Jaymes Make an Appearance?

I grew up in a little town just north of Nashville. My all-time favorite movie is Robert Altman's Nashville. So it probably comes as no surprise that I love the TV series Nashville, that aired on ABC for two seasons before moving to CMT. Tonight, Nashville is wrapping up its six-season run with the series finale at 9 p.m ET/PT, and I will miss these characters and their continuing stories very much.

While always a big fan of the series, part of my sadness is due to the fact that I absolutely love the depth and focus Marshall Herskovitz and Ed Zwick added since becoming showrunners at the start of Season 5.

Since you are reading this blog, you probably already know how fantastic Jonathan Jackson (Lucky Spencer on General Hospital). He has delivered in every scene for six seasons and I'm hoping his character, Avery Barkley, reunites with Juliette Barnes tonight (Hayden Panettiere).

Herskovitz and Zwick's interpretation of the Claybourne-James family has been an absolute joy to watch the past two years. I can't say enough about Lennon and Maisy Stella, sisters who were hired to play Rayna's daughters because of their incredible music talent that developed into great actresses. Maisy Stella may be the next Adele. Mark my words. And Deacon's relationship with Maddie and Daphne is TV magic, just like his chemistry with Rayna.

Speaking of Rayna Jaymes, will fans get one final glimpse in the finale?

Connie Britton starred in the first four and a half seasons of Nashville as Rayna, a country superstar who pursues a comeback while dealing with raising her kids, a complicated romantic life and running her own record label. Fans were sad when Jaymes died last year, but in a new trailer released for the series finale it appears Britton might be returning to the show for one final turn in front of the cameras.

In the clip below, Rayna's widowed husband, Deacon Claybourne (Charles Esten), sees what appears to be his true love, bathed in light as if in a visitation from beyond. "Is this real?" he wonders aloud in the scene.

'Nashville' Season 6 Casting Additions & Sneak Peek Videos

Nashville will return for its sixth season in January on CMT. The primetime musical soap opera has added actors Josh Stamberg, Jake Etheridge, Rainee Lyleson, Nic Luken and Dylan Arnold in recurring roles.

Stamberg (The Affair) will play Darius, an extremely charismatic founder of a self-actualization movement that has transformed many lives.

Musician and acting newcomer Etheridge will recur as Sean, a recent military veteran who suffers from severe PTSD and has yet to embrace his talent and passion for music.

Lyleson (Love Is Now) is Alannah, a singer-songwriter who is a newcomer to the Nashville music scene and starts out as a backup singer but soon will be discovered for the star that she actually is meant to be.

Luken (Ride) will play Jonah Ford, a pop star who is very handsome, extremely confident and charming and exudes all the qualities of a superstar.

Arnold (When We Rise) is Twig, a childhood friend of Jonah and a member of his entourage who navigates this lifestyle by guarding his anxiety and pain with a caustic, brilliant sense of humor.

Check out a couple of sneak peek videos below.

'Nashville' Two-Hour Premiere Airs Tonight on CMT

On December 15, CMT aired a one hour sneak peek from the new season of Nashville. Tonight, fans can watch the complete two-hour premiere starting at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CMT.

Season 5 begins with Rayna and Deacon facing a new normal with Maddie now back home and Highway 65 struggling financially. The shocking news about Juliette creates a wave of emotions throughout Nashville and sets Rayna off on a journey of discovery.

Nashville is set against the backdrop of the city's music scene and follows Rayna Jaymes and Juliette Barnes. Both women face personal and professional challenges as they navigate their paths as artists and individuals. Surrounding them and often complicating their lives are their family, friends and, in some cases, lovers, as well as the up-and-coming performers and songwriters trying to get ahead in the business. Music City can mean so many things to different people. In "Nashville," musicians and songwriters are at the heart of the storm driven by their own ambitions. Some are fueled by their creativity and passion for fame. Others struggle to cope with the pressures of success and are doing everything in their power to stay on top.

Watch the Season 5 trailer below.

'Nashville' Season 5 Trailer Released, Will Now Premiere on December 15!

Nashies, set your DVRs now! As an early holiday gift for the fans, CMT today announced plans to sneak the first hour of the two-hour season premiere of Nashville on Thursday, December 15 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. Additionally, CMT just dropped the trailer for the new season. Produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios and Opry Entertainment, the two-hour season premiere of Nashville will debut on Thursday, January 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

The season begins with Rayna and Deacon facing a new normal with Maddie now back home and Highway 65 struggling financially. The shocking news about Juliette creates a wave of emotions throughout Nashville and sets Rayna off on a journey of discovery.

Nashville is set against the backdrop of the city's music scene and follows Rayna Jaymes and Juliette Barnes. Both women face personal and professional challenges as they navigate their paths as artists and individuals. Surrounding them and often complicating their lives are their family, friends and, in some cases, lovers, as well as the up-and-coming performers and songwriters trying to get ahead in the business. Music City can mean so many things to different people. In "Nashville," musicians and songwriters are at the heart of the storm driven by their own ambitions. Some are fueled by their creativity and passion for fame. Others struggle to cope with the pressures of success and are doing everything in their power to stay on top.

Watch the newly released trailer below.

'Nashville' Stars Going on Concert Tour in USA and a First-Ever International Tour

Due to the overwhelming success of sold-out tours in 2014 and 2015, the stars of ABC's Nashville will take the show on the road again this spring with a concert tour across the U.S. The tour will feature cast members Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack and Charles Esten performing original music as well as songs from the hit television series. Will Chase, Jonathan Jackson and Aubrey Peeples join the tour in select cities. "Nashville" returns with all original episodes beginning Wednesday, March 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT) on ABC.

Last week it was announced that the "Nashville in Concert" tour will also stage its first-ever international run in the United Kingdom with Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Charles Esten and Sam Palladio performing.

"It is truly extraordinary how demand has grown over these past three years," said Steve Buchanan, president, Opry Entertainment. "We have added several new major markets this year so that we can reach as many of our dedicated Nashville fans as possible all across America. Audiences have been consistently blown away by the performing and songwriting talent of our cast."

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Rayna Needs Deacon as a Partner

"I need you as a partner, and a co-parent," Rayna tells Deacon. "Isn't
that what we fought so hard for?"

Maddie gets an offer Rayna wants to refuse on this week's episode of Nashville, airing Wednesday, November 18 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "Unguarded Moments," Rayna wants to turn down Sony's contract offer for Maddie to be a solo artist and finds her family life distracting her from her work with Markus. Luke is desperate to regain Colt's trust; Gunnar's girlfriend, Erin, causes issues on tour with Scarlett and Avery scrambles to make money doing insipid jingles.

In the sneak peek below, Rayna (Connie Britton) asks where Deacon (Charles Esten) has been as she wanted his support while dealing with Maddie’s situation. Deacon has no idea how to help Maddie. Rayna feels Maddie is at a crossroads and desperately needs the help of both of her parents. Rayna also admits she needs Deacon as a partner.

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Rayna and Deacon Fight

Rayna has a problem with Deacon's new bar venture.

Rayna worries about Deacon's new business partnership on this week's episode of Nashville, airing Wednesday, November 11 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "Can't Get Used to Losing You," Rayna's concerns about Deacon's business venture with an old friend from AA, Frankie (Mark Collie), threaten to drive a wedge between the lovebirds. Luke's personal integrity and his relationship with Colt are on the line in the wake of recent events.

In the sneak peek below, Rayna (Connie Britton) tells Deacon (Charles Esten) she cannot make it to his show at a bar. She feels, as he is a recovering alcoholic, playing in a bar is a bad idea. An argument ensues as Deacon disagrees

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Juliette Attacks a Fan

Hayden Panettiere stars as Juliette Barnes. Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

Juliette's fistfight with an aggressive fan goes viral on tonight's episode of Nashville, airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "Please Help Me, I'm Fallin'," Juliette gets into a brawl with a fan that goes viral, but Jeff sees damage control as an opening for his own career. Maddie is grounded and misses Colt who is on tour with his dad. Markus butts heads with Rayna over his sound, and the two consider whether they can continue working together.

In the sneak peek below, Juliette (Hayden Panettiere) cannot handle the attention from her fans after learning that Avery is divorcing her. Jeff (Oliver Hudson) and Luke (Will Chase) watch Juliette lose control and attack a fan that tries to take a picture with her

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Stop the World (And Let Me Off)

Charles Esten and Clare Bowen. Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

Rayna has her hands full, and Maddie joins Colt on Luke's tour on tonight's episode of Nashville, airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "Stop the World (And Let Me Off)," Rayna pushes back on Layla's romantic relationship with Jeff, and Markus pushes back on his producer, Avery - which does not go well. Maddie joins Colt on Luke's tour, giving the teens opportunities for more freedom than Maddie can handle. She turns to Juliette for advice and shocks Luke with the results. Meanwhile, Deacon and Scarlett head to Natchez despite their falling-out, and Gunnar enlists Kevin and Will's help as "wingmen" in an effort to pick up a new woman

In the sneak peek below, Deacon tries to console a very drunk Scarlett as she blames herself for her mother’s downward spiral. Deacon says he understands how she feels and assures her it is not her fault as he left Beverly first. However, Scarlett is not consoled. She angrily tells Deacon he has no idea what she is going through and that he is a selfish person.

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Juliette's Private Turmoil Continues

Juliette is confronted with news from the tabloids.

Juliette's private turmoil could become tabloid fodder on tonight's episode of Nashville, airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "The Slender Threads That Bind Us Here," rock star Marcus Keen (Riley Smith) makes demands on Rayna as she struggles to tend to those around her. Layla and Jeff get into a lover's quarrel. Jeff arranges for a journalist to shadow Juliette on tour, but after another emotional setback, she leans on pills and alcohol to get through her days, and Zoey (Chaley Rose) returns to see Scarlett.

In the sneak peek below, Juliette is caught off guard during a radio interview by allegations that Avery is cheating on her. Juliette plays it cool in front of the DJ as there is a journalist with her documenting the moment.

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: How Can I Help You Say Goodbye

Scarlett must decide whether to keep her mother on life support.

Scarlett is forced to make a life-changing choice for her mother, while Avery makes a decision that will change his family's life forever on tonight's episode of Nashville, airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

In "How Can I Help You Say Goodbye," a second aneurysm leaves Beverly brain dead and Deacon consumed with guilt, while Scarlett is forced to decide whether or not to keep Beverly on life support. Meanwhile, Juliette continues a destructive pattern of erratic behavior, pushing Avery to make the heart-wrenching decision to file for divorce.

In the sneak peek below, Deacon and Scarlett learn from Beverly's doctor that it is Scarlett's decision whether or not Beverly stays on life support.

'Nashville' Sneak Peek: Juliette is Off the Rails

Jonathan Jackson and Hayden Panettiere. Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

Rayna is determined to prove Highway 65 is a credible record label while Juliette continues to struggle with postpartum depression on tonight's episode of Nashville, airing at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Kelly Ripa (who played Hayley on All My Children) and Michael Strahan guest star as themselves.

In "'Til the Pain Outwears the Shame," Juliette breaks down during an appearance on Live with Kelly and Michael, prompting more concern from Avery. But when she continues her pattern of irrational and volatile behavior, she leaves Avery with a struggle of his own.

Meanwhile, Rayna is determined to show the world that Highway 65 is not just a vanity project and devises a plan to sign Markus Keen (guest star Riley Smith), one of the biggest rock artists around.

In the sneak peek below, Avery gets a surprise visit from Jeff Fordham (Oliver Hudson, now starring in Scream Queens), who reveals new information about Juliette.

Listen to This Week's 'Nashville' Music, Including "Crazy" Duet from Steven Tyler and Juliette Barnes

Steven Tyler and Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere).

On last night's Season 4 premiere of Nashville, Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) was joined on stage by Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler for a duet of Patsy Cline's "Crazy."

Meanwhile, Deacon Claybourne (Chip Esten) sang "Hymn for Her" for his comatose sister, Beverly, who was starting to come around by the end of the episode.

Elsewhere, Gunnar Scott (Sam Palladio) and Scarlett O'Connor (Clare Bowen) sang "Wake Up When It's Over," but when it came time to record the track, Scarlett recorded her part separately, attempting to deny her feelings for her ex.

Watch the performances of this week's new Nashville songs below:

'Nashville' Season 4 Premiere Preview, Steven Tyler Guest Stars

Hayden Panettiere stars as Juliette Barnes. Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

Steven Tyler guest stars as himself on the fourth season premiere of Nasvhille, airing September 23 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Tyler duets with Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) on the Patsy Cline classic "Crazy."

In "Can’t Let Go," with Juliette's starring role in the Patsy Cline bio-pic, she is at an all-time career high, but is hitting a personal low. Meanwhile Avery (Jonathan Jackson), separated from Juliette, tends to baby Cadence at his parents' home.

Elsewhere, Rayna (Connie Britton), along with her family and friends, grapple with the chilling aftermath of Deacon’s (Charles Esten) liver transplant. What happened to Deacon and Beverly (Dana Wheeler-Nicholson)? Will Scarlett (Clare Bowen) stay with Caleb (Nick Jandl) despite her feelings for Gunnar (Sam Palladio).

Finally, Will (Chris Carmack) deals with the aftermath of coming out, frustrating his boyfriend, Kevin (Kyle Dean Massey).

Watch a sneak peek below:

Southwest Airlines Brings The BlueBird Cafe to New York City, With Performances by Charles Esten, Striking Matches and Kim Richey

Striking Matches, Charles Esten and Kim Richey at the Southwest Porch at
Bryant Park in New York City. Photo courtesy of the Bluebird Cafe.

Southwest Airlines brought Nashville's legendary Bluebird Cafe to new heights on Monday with a Live at 35K performance onboard a Southwest flight from Nashville to New York City. The in-flight performance featured songwriter Kim Richey, country music duo Striking Matches, and actor/musician, Charles Esten.

Both Richey and Striking Matches have penned tunes that were featured on ABC's Nashville, a primetime serial renowned for its musical soundtrack. Esten plays Deacon Claybourne in the hit drama that highlights Music City and the Nashville music community.

Once the Nashville-inspired flight landed in New York City, the three acts took to the stage at the Southwest Porch at Bryant Park, to give New York fans a taste of a Bluebird Cafe “In the Round” performance, the format made famous at the club where the performers take turns playing their original music, sharing the stories behind the songs, and accompanying each other instrumentally and with backing vocals.

Each act performed four songs "In the Round" with a group finale to close out the show. Esten, whose Nashville character was left battling for his life at the end of Season 3, didn't reveal much about what's head on his hit TV show, but did admit he loved writing songs based on his alcoholic character's experiences.

"It's fun writing from Deacon's perspective because he has issues," Esten told the enthusiastic Southwest Porch crowd. He sang "Lost & Found," "Whiskey Lips," "Scars" and the Nashville song he co-wrote with Deana Carter, "I Know How to Love You Now."

The duo Striking Matches has had eight of their songs used by the series, including "When the Right One Comes Along," a Scarlett and Gunnar duet from Season 1 they performed during the show.

Richey opened with her 1995 hit, "Those Words We Said."

It was a fabulous evening to be outdoors listening to music in NYC.

RELATED:
- 'Nashville' Season 4 Premiere Preview, Steven Tyler Guest Stars

"Christmas with Nashville" Digital Release Scheduled for November 4

The drama on ABC’s Nashville may be blazing hot but Big Machine Records is predicting a change in the temperature on November 4 with the digital release of "Christmas with Nashville." No strangers to the recording studio, the all-star cast who sings on the TV show each week, lent their voices to this special collection of their favorite holiday carols and a few original tunes.

Following a cameo on Nashville last season, Jay DeMarcus was tapped as producer for the project, again joining forces with the talented actors. The Rascal Flatts’ bassist, who also produced much of the supergroup's "Rewind" album, told Rolling Stone Country, “it's refreshing to know that [the actors] representing us on the show are authentic.” The outlet also exclusively revealed the track listing.

TRACK LISTING
1. “Santa Baby”
Clare Bowen | Written by Joan Javits, Tony Springer, Phil Springer
2. “Blue Christmas”
Charles Esten featuring Vince Gill | Written by Billy Hayes, Jay Johnson
3. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”
Jonathan Jackson | Written by Ellie Greenwich, Jeff Barry, Phil Spector

'Nashville' Season 2 Finale Preview: Rayna Finds Herself at an Emotional Crossroads

Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

The sophomore season of Nashville concludes with the season finale ("On The Other Hand") on Wednesday, May 14 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

As Will Lexington's album climbs the chart with the help of Jeff Fordham's deep pockets, Rayna enlists Teddy's help to plan a huge, free concert at LP Field to draw attention to her Highway 65 debut. She will perform with Luke Wheeler and duet with Juliette before thousands of fans. Zoey, Avery and Gunnar rock out at a benefit for Deacon's favorite charity, Sober House, and Avery plans to serenade Juliette with a song he wrote for her. But when he attempts to sing it, he doesn't understand why she is not present. And Scarlett makes a decision about her future in Music City.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

'Nashville' Preview: Rayna Rallies Some Very Important Friends to Join Her in a Visit to Fort Campbell

Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

The sophomore season of Nashville continues with a new episode ("All or Nothing with Me") on Wednesday May 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. First Lady Michelle Obama and Kellie Pickler guest star.

Rayna organizes a charity concert at Fort Campbell after finding out Luke has been injured in Afghanistan, forcing him to cut his tour short. Deacon and Maddie are brought closer together as they chart a new course for their future. Teddy is beginning to feel like his family is slipping further and further away from him. Juliette is racked with guilt knowing that her back is against the wall after Jeff threatens to go to Avery with the truth. Gunnar is feeling pressure to reveal a secret about Juliette to Avery until Zoey urges him that his professional and private life should be kept separate. And Will and Layla begin shooting their new reality series.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

'Nashville' Preview: Juliette Is Being Blamed For Scarlett's Breakdown and Rayna is Forced To Make a Difficult Decision

Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

The sophomore season of Nashville continues with a new episode ("Your Good Girl's Gonna Go Bad") on Wednesday April 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Scarlett's breakdown is driving everyone to point fingers at who might be responsible for her condition. Deacon is blaming Rayna for pushing her too fast, Rayna is blaming Juliette and for forcing her on stage and Beverly thinks Rayna is only interested in seeing her label succeed. It always feels like everyone has an axe to grind with Juliette so she turns to Avery, only to find him preoccupied with Scarlett. During her moment of weakness, she is driven right into the hands of her nemesis. Meanwhile, Layla tries to convince Will to join her in a reality show.

Watch a sneak peek video below:

NASHVILLE Preview: Rayna's Daughter Meets Luke's Teenage Son, Juliette Finds a Way To Knock Scarlett Down a Peg, and Will & Layla Make an Announcement

Photo Credit: ABC/Mark Levine

The sophomore season of NASHVILLE continues with a new episode ("Your Wild Life's Gonna Get You Down") on Wednesday March 26 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Rayna plays a mini-set on Luke's tour, and her girls meet his son, Colt (Keann Johnson), a moody teenager who has a big social media following. Juliette's growing jealous of Avery's connection to Scarlett and takes it out on her while they tour together to help raise awareness of Highway 65. Will and Layla make a plan that Gunnar refuses to support, and Teddy forbids Maddie from attending Deacon's latest concert.

Watch a sneak peek video below: