Christina Aguilera will guest star on ABC's musical drama "Nashville" next Wednesday, when 18th episode of the series' third season is set to air, the network revealed in a press release.

The Grammy Award-winning musician interprets Jade St. John, a woman who once played a large role in protagonist Jeff Fordham's personal and professional lives; Fordham is played by Oliver Hudson, also known for his role as Adam Rhodes in the CBS' "Rules of Engagement."

But the CEO of Edgehill is not the only character facing challenges in "Nobody Knows But Me": Deacon continues to cope with his cancer diagnosis, and his secret is a burden on his family -- and especially Maddie, ABC noted. New mother Juliette, meanwhile, finds it difficult to balance her parental duties and her music career. Meanwhile, Avery struggles with his responsibilities and his Triple Exes bandmates.

The guest appearance by Aguilera will certainly be a treat for "Nashville" fans, many of whom are also eagerly awaiting the series' eight-city live concert tour, which is set to kick off on April 29 in New York and will later take the singers to Boston, Washington, Chicago, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix.

"Nashville" stars Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Charles Esten, Aubrey Peeples and duo Lennon and Maisy Stella will all take the stage, the Hollywood Reporter detailed, and Sam Palladio will join the tour in New York and Los Angeles, while Jonathan Jackson will appear at the Chicago event.

Some wrinkles, however, surround the future of the ABC television show itself, as budget issues are said to once again complicate the series' renewal for a fourth season, Deadline reported. The current installment was the result of an 11th hour deal because a shrinking tax incentive package from the state of Tennessee last year had initially caused hesitation among executives, the publication recalled.

"Nashville has grown into more than TV show with music specials, soundtrack albums and musical downloads as well as tours," Deadline judged. And because ABC owner Disney tends to value its brands, the series has "a good shot at another season," it explained.