Exclusive

Nashville First Look: Hayden Panettiere Seduces With a Song

Exclusive! Juliet sings a sweet tune with Deacon in this week's episode

By Shawna Malcom Oct 15, 2012 7:54 PMTags
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Is the conniving Juliet Barnes suddenly singing a gentler tune? It sure seems that way in this exclusive Nashville sneak peek!

In this first-look clip of Wednesday's episode, the cunning country-music phenom (Hayden Panettiere) appears to have shifted straight into Taylor Swift-sweetness mode, sitting in the back of a shiny blue pickup, notebook and pen in hand, while composing a lovely ballad with new flame Deacon (Charles Esten). As the two work out the lyrics together, it becomes clear that they're vibing on more than just a potential future chart-topper. Their Southern-fried chemistry is crazy, y'all!

But listen closely to the lyrics and you'll hear that the song is called "Undermine." ("It's a whole lot harder to shine," croons Juliet, "than undermine.") And, considering the rivalry that's heating up between Juliet and Music City vet Rayna (Connie Britton)—who just happens to be Deacon's longtime true love and current boss—we can't help but think that Juliet is using this seemingly innocent little songwriting session to chip away at Rayna and Deacon's bond. 

Check out this clip from ABC's instantly addictive hit—which last week became the Net's biggest drama debut since Once Upon a Time—to judge for yourself. Then hit the comments and tell us what you think of the new Callie Khouri-created sudser and whether "Undermine," like the haunting duet "I Didn't Know Better" from the pilot, is destined to become another iTunes hit. 

Nashville airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m.