When ‘So Small’ Became So Big: Carrie Underwood’s Tearful Reunion with PS22 Chorus
Every once in a while, something truly special happens on TV that hits us right in the feels and reminds us of the power of music and connection. That magical moment happened on the latest episode of American Idol when Carrie Underwood, beloved country star and former Idol champion, was brought to tears by a sweet surprise from a group of talented fifth graders from Staten Island.
The Surprise of a Lifetime
Carrie Underwood, who won American Idol way back in 2005 and went on to become one of the most successful artists in country music, was back on the stage that started it all. But this time, it wasn’t just about her powerful vocals and down-to-earth charm. It was about something much more meaningful.
The emotional segment began when the PS22 Chorus, a talented group of fifth graders from Public School 22, took the stage to perform Carrie’s own song, “So Small.” And they didn’t just perform it—they poured their hearts into it. The children’s angelic voices blended so beautifully together, it was as if the song was made just for them. Their heartfelt rendition brought a raw and innocent sweetness to the song that felt like pure magic.
Carrie’s Emotional Reaction
As the kids sang their hearts out, the camera panned to Carrie’s reaction. And if you were watching from home, you probably found yourself tearing up right along with her. Carrie’s face lit up with astonishment and emotion, her eyes glistening as she tried to keep it together. It’s moments like these that remind us why we all fell in love with her in the first place.
By the time the performance ended, Carrie was visibly emotional, wiping away tears and expressing her gratitude to the choir. Her genuine reaction was a testament to how much the moment meant to her. And let’s be real—it meant something to all of us watching, too.
Why This Moment Meant So Much to Carrie Underwood
The beauty of this performance was not just in the stunning voices of the PS22 Chorus but also in the full-circle moment it created for Carrie Underwood. After all, Carrie once stood on that same American Idol stage, full of hopes and dreams. To see her success come full circle with a group of talented kids singing her own song was like a beautiful snapshot of everything she’s worked so hard for.
And let’s not forget what the song “So Small” is all about. It’s about realizing that the things we often stress about are insignificant in comparison to what truly matters—love, compassion, and human connection. Seeing a group of children, who probably weren’t even born when Carrie won American Idol, pour so much heart into that very song was nothing short of magical.
The Internet Reacts
As clips of the performance made their way online, social media lit up with emotional reactions from fans. “I’m not crying, you’re crying,” one user tweeted, while others expressed how the performance reminded them of the power of music to bring people together.
Carrie Underwood herself took to Instagram to thank the PS22 Chorus, praising their talent and expressing how much their performance meant to her. And if you check out the comments, you’ll find hundreds of fans sharing their own stories about how Carrie’s music has touched their lives.

Photo Credit: American Idol / ABC
Why We Needed This Moment
In a world that sometimes feels overwhelming, these touching moments of connection are like little gifts. As moms, we know how powerful it is to see kids chasing their dreams, sharing their talents, and making the world a brighter place. And when those dreams intersect with the journey of a beloved artist like Carrie Underwood? Well, that’s just pure magic.
So, if you haven’t already seen the performance, grab a tissue and prepare to bawl. It’s one of those moments that makes you want to hug your kids a little tighter and tell them to always follow their dreams.