In 1966, Helen Reddy arrives in New York City after winning a contest in her native Australia, aiming to record her debut album. However, her excitement quickly turns to disappointment when the record label retracts their offer, leaving her stranded with her young daughter, Traci. Faced with loneliness and financial strain, Reddy begins performing in small nightclubs and reconnects with her old friend, Lilian Roxon, a prominent rock journalist.
At one of Roxon's parties, Reddy meets Jeff Wald, a talent agent, and the two quickly start a romantic relationship. Wald takes Reddy on as a client, and they eventually marry, moving to Los Angeles in search of better opportunities for their careers. However, Wald faces challenges in promoting Reddy; record companies at that time show a preference for male artists. Persevering through these difficulties, Wald relentlessly contacts Capitol Records, which ultimately leads to Reddy being given a chance to record a single. With encouragement from her family and friends, they promote the demo to radio stations, resulting in her first hit, a cover of "I Don't Know How to Love Him."
As Reddy's career begins to flourish, she and Wald embrace a lavish Hollywood lifestyle. However, the pressures of fame start to take a toll on their relationship, particularly as Wald develops a cocaine habit. Meanwhile, Reddy becomes inspired by the rising feminist movement, fueling her to create the empowering anthem "I Am Woman." Even as executives label the song as "angry" and "man-hating," Wald urges Reddy to include it in her performances. The song ultimately becomes a massive success and serves as a powerful feminist anthem.
Throughout the ensuing years, Reddy achieves remarkable success with eight number one adult contemporary singles in the US and garners her own television show along with a residency in Las Vegas. Yet, the relentless pressures of the entertainment industry lead to mounting strain in her marriage. Seeking comfort from Roxon once more, Reddy is devastated to find her friend suffering from poor health, and shortly after, Roxon passes away from asthma complications. This loss prompts Reddy to reconsider her upcoming concerts; however, Wald pressures her to fulfill her commitments.
After a successful performance, Reddy discovers Wald backstage, under the influence of cocaine, involved in a confrontation with company personnel. Overcome with shock and exhaustion, Reddy collapses, waking up in an emergency room, only to find that the Equal Rights Amendment, a vital pillar for feminists, has been defeated. Upon returning home, she finds herself drowning in debt, which Wald attributes to their accountant. The two ultimately divorce, selling their home, while Reddy steps back from her career in the early 1980s.
In 1989, years later, Traci reaches out to her mother, encouraging her to perform at a feminist rally in Washington, D.C. Initially hesitant, Reddy embraces this opportunity. The film closes with her powerful performance of "I Am Woman" on the National Mall, joined by thousands of her fellow activists, marking a stirring celebration of empowerment and resilience.
