"Nashville' creator Callie Khouri has confirmed to RadioTimes.com that the first episode of the show's new season will feature live performances from the cast.

Khouri, who is set to begin shooting some pre-recorded scenes for the first episode on July 17, explained that the live performances were inspired by "Nashville: On the Record", an episode in the second season of the show which featured live performances from cast members. Cast members Hayden Panettiere, Charles Esten and Clare Bowen and the show's original song writers were involved in the episode. Khouri said that the success of "On the Road" gave them the courage to attempt a live show.

Khouri is hoping that the live scenes will convince skeptical viewers of the musical abilities of the cast, which also includes Connie Britton as country music star Rayna James.

"Our cast have been performing a lot in all the music venues, they're so talented," said Khourie. She also explained that she wanted them to sing live "just in case people ever wondered, "Are these people really singing? Are they being fixed in a studio afterwards?' Just to give people the chance to hear how good everybody really is."

Meanwhile, fans are wondering whether Hayden Panettiere's pregnancy will be written into the show. Panettiere is currently expecting her first child with fiancé and professional boxer, Wladimir Klitschko. According to TV Line, Khouri and her fellow writers are debating this issue, as many of them heard the news around the same time as the general public, which was back in May.

'Nashville' will return for its third season on September 2014.