Rags

In New York City, Charlie Prince is an orphan living in his late mother's karaoke bar, The Palace, under his acerbic stepfather Arthur. He endures cleaning chores while his brothers and stepfather mistreat him, while Diego and Martha treat him like a son. Charlie's talent for singing and writing keeps a spark of hope alive in a difficult life.

Arthur sends Charlie to deliver his brothers' track Androyd to Majesty Records. On the way, Charlie bumps into Kadee Worth, a pop star who secretly longs to sing her own songs. At Majesty, Shawn offers Charlie a janitor job, starting his entry into the music world.

Shawn, Majesty Records' employee, spots Charlie singing in the studio and helps him record a demo. Charlie's natural talent quickly catches the label's attention, signaling a potential breakthrough.

Kadee reveals she writes her own music and dislikes performing songs written by others. Charlie invites her into town and encourages her to perform a street song, rekindling her desire to sing authentically.

Kadee invites Charlie to Majesty Records' Masquerade Ball, where the talent contest winner will be announced. Arthur confiscates the invitation and uses it to bring Androyd to the ball, hoping for a showcase.

With Diego and Martha's help, Charlie sneaks into the Masquerade Ball. Inside, he reconnects with Shawn, who hands him a demo CD under the stage name Rags as a reminder of his humble origins.

When the planned winner fails to appear, Arthur pushes Androyd onto the stage, but the crowd boos them. Shawn encourages Charlie to perform instead, and he steals the show. After the performance, he shares a kiss with Kadee and accidentally drops his CD as he exits.

Back at The Palace, Kadee tracks down Charlie and asks him to help with auditions so she can hear Rags again. He tries to confess his identity, but she doesn't hear him, so he continues to assist with the search for Rags.

Andrew overhears the conversation and steals Charlie's songbook, turning it over to Arthur to undermine Charlie.

During auditions, Reginald Worth arrives to pledge support for Kadee, but Andrew shows up to audition and steers Charlie toward his father, who locks Charlie in a closet so Andrew can pose as Rags.

Arthur reveals his plan to sell The Palace. Charlie escapes with help from Trumpet and Kadee's friends, returning just in time to see Andrew shake hands with Reginald.

Reginald begins to listen more to Kadee and respects her art, while Charlie overhears the conversation and is surprised by Kadee's support. Kadee confirms her feelings and ends her relationship with Finn.

Lloyd reveals that Charlie's mom left The Palace to Charlie, not Arthur, adding a personal revelation that strengthens Charlie's claim to the bar and his future.

Charlie and Kadee begin dating and soon appear on magazine covers, signaling their rise in both love and fame as a power duo in the music scene.

The film ends with Charlie and Kadee performing Me And You Against The World at The Palace, now owned by Charlie and managed by Diego and Martha. Lloyd dances as a backup, while Arthur and Andrew serve as janitors as punishment for their earlier actions.