While preparing for an upcoming TV appearance with recording artist Noah Brooks, the girls quickly learn that they will be singing backup instead of co-headlining the performance. Anxious for the girls' next big move, Carlotta turns to the new A&R executive, Maurice, for help on a new deal. Meanwhile, Jahil tries his hand at producing music, Cotton struggles with starting her new job and Star comes face-to-face with an unexpected person from her past.

A rattled Star is reeling with emotions, while dealing with the sudden reappearance of her father. A huge opportunity for the girls to perform at the record label party is put into jeopardy after they react to learning that Ayanna has hired Rachel Wells as the label's new social media strategist. Meanwhile, Derek struggles with facing the truth about his fate; Carlotta finds a place of solace; and Cotton begins to bond with her father, Jahil, over their shared pain.

Ayana is quickly reminded of the tremendous pressure she is under to make her family proud, when her father - a legendary music label executive - pays a visit to Midtown. Alex continues to be haunted by her lies to Derek; Star and Simone differ on how best to deal with Brody's mysterious return; and Noah faces a tense encounter with the police during an event thrown by the label. Meanwhile, Jahil works on a plan to debut a new duo he's discovered, featuring his nephew, Angel, and Ayanna's assistant.

With all of the flack the label is catching from the tragic police incident, Ayanna must quickly restore Midtown's image. Desperate for a spot in the showcase, the girls work on convincing hot recording artist Joyce Sheree to sing a featured verse on one of their songs. Carlotta continues to fight for custody of Simone, a misleading photo of Noah and Alex goes viral and Cotton juggles two relationships. Meanwhile, Brody's motivation for his return to Atlanta is revealed.

Star's jealousy finally kicks in when Noah and Alex begin spending more time together, both inside and outside of the studio. Ayanna throws a curveball, moving the showcase date up - giving everyone only two weeks to prepare. Worried about Cotton, Carlotta and Jahil team up to get to the bottom of her recent change in behavior. Meanwhile, Maurice steps in to help Noah get back on his feet, when he notices him struggling to catch a break.

Although Carlotta enjoys spending more time with Maurice, her family remains her No. 1 priority and she'll let nothing stop her from protecting them. Meanwhile, things don't go as planned during an interview with radio hosts Headkrack and Da Brat, which Midtown had arranged for its artists to promote the upcoming showcase. Also, Elliot is eager to take his relationship with Cotton to the next level, Jahil realizes he and Brody have a lot more in common than expected and the love triangle drama between Noah, Alex and Star intensifies.

With the showcase finally here, it's time for the Midtown artists to put all their hard work to the test and prove they have what it takes to win. In the process, relationships are tested, ruined and sparked. Meanwhile, Carlotta's salon is under fire in more ways than one, turning everyone's world upside-down.

Charles makes a decision about Noah's upcoming tour that leaves Take 3 in a tough spot. Jahil remains committed to doing whatever it takes to make sure Andy and Angel get to the top. Meanwhile, Ayanna returns and drops a bombshell that will have a major effect on Simone's future, and Carlotta's past is relived through one of the girls.

Rapper Quavo is recruited to join Midtown Sound, which causes drama with Noah, who is still harboring ill feelings towards him from their past. Meanwhile, secrets about Angel's family are revealed when his mother, Paola returns. Then, Arlene's twin sister, Charlene, visits Atlanta to learn the truth about her sister's death, and Star has a revelation about her mother's final days.