Series Synopsis

With their first U.S. tour in sight, the Sweethearts are peaking. They are performing knockout sets, their original songs are nominated for an award and star trumpeter Maddi has returned to the fold. They’re a family again. Their bright future is crushed when the band receives shocking news: their mentor and musical director, Ross, has cancer and must leave to fight for his health.

Throughout its ever-changing line-up, Ross has been the only constant, guiding generations of Sweethearts through music, and the trials of life. The band’s mentors, Jess E and Bec, help keep the band on track, but the U.S tour is in forsaken. When new musical director Steve arrives, he tries to understand the band’s culture but his decisions cause waves with the older members. The U.S. tour is reinstated and the pressure creates a damaging division. Older members fight for a tour standard, which means songs have to be earned. The younger girls want mentors to give them more songs but can’t consistently meet the standards the older girls require. The fun and family feeling vanish.

A crowdfunding campaign is launched to help fund the tour. But after a positive start, it runs into trouble. Steve tries to develop the younger girls and listens to their demands for fairness, but the older girls resist. Band captain Wil is at a loss as the division grows and the long held practice of earning a song goes by the wayside.

As they reinvigorate their crowdfunding and exceed target, their gigs start to go downhill. A jaw-dropping confirmation from Summerfest – the largest festival in the world - comes with a request for a two and a half hour set. Their gigs hit rock bottom before it’s acknowledged that they need the standards of the mentors and senior members. The last gig before America is spectacular and the magic is back. Guitarist Georgia R stars but suddenly pulls out of the tour. On the eve of their departure for America, Jess E starts a game of dodgeball, and the long lost sound of fun returns.

The band arrives in Memphis, the home of soul. An inspirational workshop with the Stax Academy gets the singers connecting with the band. Ross is top of mind as they tour Stax Records with legendary soul trumpeter, Wayne Jackson. After discovering gospel at Al Green’s church, their first American gig - the Stax concert - is rained out.