Due to difficulties with the composition of a song for a new video game device, Tiffany Thornton enlists the help of her "#1" fan, twelve year-old Darby, and they proceed to collaborate on the lyrics and use silly props to inspire the creative process. However, Darby's songwriting skills impress the producer and she is asked to write the entire song without Thornton. Meanwhile, Leo Howard's biggest fan, fourteen year-old Matt, is surprised to see Howard join him in a martial arts class that specializes in a fake form of karate, "Floating Swan". When Howard challenges the Sensei to a battle to decide which form is better—Floating Swan or "Kicking Panther"—Matt is recruited by Howard and receives a "crash course" in Kicking Panther prior to the battle.