Advertising executive Darrin Hill (Cuba Gooding Jr.) loses his job and his girlfriend after his many lies about his background and education are discovered. Soon after, he returns to his small Georgia hometown to collect an inheritance from his Aunt Sally (Ann Nesby). To receive it, he must lead the church choir to victory in a gospel competition. With the help of childhood friend Lilly (Beyoncé Knowles), now a beautiful singer, Darrin gets the choir ready to perform.