‘Nashville’ Sneak Peek: Juliette and Rayna Are Together Again!

Jesus, take the wheel! After her horrific plane crash, it appears that Juliette Barnes is entrusting the future of her life and career to a higher power. After four seasons as Nashville‘s resident bad girl, the singer (played by Hayden Panettiere) is following in the footsteps of secular artists like Bob Dylan and MC Hammer by going gospel. She announces her decision to her former rival — and newly reinstated boss — Rayna James (Connie Britton) in this exclusive clip from Thursday’s all-new episode, the sixth installment of the show’s fifth season.

Juliette’s turn to more spiritual pursuits has been hinted at all season long, starting with her burgeoning friendship with the woman who stayed by her side in the crucial moments after the crash, church choir singer Hallie Jordan (played by Grammy-winning musician Rhiannon Giddens). With Hallie’s encouragement, Juliette develops a strong faith that she’ll walk unassisted again. And she funneled that faith into an impromptu songwriting session at the end of the season’s third episode.

So, when Rayna informs Juliette that she’ll be purchasing her current label — Luke Wheeler’s Wheelin’ Dealin’ Records — and asks what she’s got in the works, Juliette has an answer ready: “I wanna make a gospel album.” Even Rayna’s initially shocked reaction can’t shake Juliette’s belief in her decision. “That’s where I’m at in my life.” Preach it, sister.

Nashville airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on CMT.