Jerrica Benton, along with her younger sister Kimber, resides with their Aunt Bailey and their two foster sisters, Aja and Shana. The four of them frequently record videos of themselves singing and showcasing their vibrant outfits, yet Jerrica, who is more reserved, is hesitant to share her voice with the world. However, the challenge of their Aunt Bailey's precarious financial situation and the looming threat of losing their home sparks a change in Jerrica. In a moment of frustration, she decides to don a wig and makeup, recording a video of herself performing a song she penned.
Just as she is about to delete this spontaneous recording, Kimber intervenes and uploads it to YouTube without Jerrica's knowledge. The video gains immense popularity, garnering millions of views within just a day. This unexpected fame leads to a record deal offer from Starlight Productions, prompting Jerrica and her sisters to head to Los Angeles. In the bustling city, they meet the polished music producer Erica Raymond as well as her son Rio, who exhibits a special interest in Jerrica, seeing her potential as a star.
Settling into their new life in L.A., the sisters contemplate their future. Accompanying them is a small robot named 51N3RG.Y (pronounced synergy), a creation of Jerrica’s late father, Emmett. The robot activates and sets them on a scavenger hunt linked to nostalgic memories of Jerrica's time with her father. Their hunt begins at the Santa Monica Pier, where they discover the first piece needed to fully activate the robot. Another clue emerges from a vintage guitar that once belonged to Emmett during a serendipitous live performance by a band.
As the story unfolds, a romantic connection begins to blossom between Rio and Jerrica, which does not sit well with Erica. With concerns of the growing attachment, Erica redirects Rio's attention towards another female artist. Meanwhile, Aunt Bailey informs Jerrica through FaceTime that their house is at risk of auctioning soon. In a desperate bid to save their home, Jerrica seeks an advance from Erica, who agrees on the condition that Jerrica pursues a solo career. Believing this will be beneficial for her sisters and Aunt Bailey, Jerrica reluctantly agrees, leading to conflict as her sisters feel betrayed and leave her.
After a lackluster solo performance, Jerrica is enveloped by regret and takes a trip to their old home, where she lived with Kimber and Emmett. In a touching turn of events, her sisters find her and they reconcile, vowing to help complete the scavenger hunt together, with Rio joining them in their quest. Jerrica soon discovers that the final pieces of the puzzle are the earrings given to her by Emmett, which Erica had taken during their initial encounter at Starlight. With an adventurous spirit, the group breaks into Starlight to reclaim the earrings despite almost being caught by Erica.
Their successful retrieval leads to a heartfelt holographic message from Emmett, revealing his enduring support. They also unearth Rio's father's will, granting him majority shares of Starlight, placing him in a managerial role. With their home secured, Jem and her sisters take to the stage for a live performance that marks the beginning of their journey. In a moment of spontaneity, Rio names the band "Jem and the Holograms," a gesture that underscores their bond and newfound fame.
In a tantalizing mid-credits scene, a disgraced Erica seeks out a rebellious group of women at a dingy junkyard, aiming to form a rival band. When their leader, Pizzazz, discovers the romantic link between Jem and Rio, she takes Erica inside their trailer, indicating that the Misfits are ready to challenge Jem and her sisters.
