Thirteen years ago, Carrie Underwood stood beside the PS22 Kids’ Chorus, their voices rising in harmony as they sang her powerful hit, So Small. It was a moment of pure magic. But nothing could have prepared her for what happened next. On the set of American Idol, the current choir appeared out of nowhere, their young voices filling the air with the same song that once brought them together. The second the first notes hit, Carrie’s eyes welled up. Overcome with emotion, she watched as a new generation of singers breathed fresh life into the song that meant so much to her. In that moment, time folded in on itself—past and present colliding in the most beautiful surprise.

New American Idol Judge Carrie Underwood Reunites With Choir She Sang With 13 Years Ago

A children’s choir who sang “So Small” with Carrie Underwood 13 years ago recently reunited with the new American Idol judge.

Underwood first visited the PS22 Kids’ Chorus in 2012. Directed by Gregg Breinberg, the choir gives 5th graders from Staten Island the chance to express their love for music.

The “About” section of PS22’s official YouTube channel lists their extraordinary accomplishments. Since its founding in 2000, the group has had the opportunity to sing with celebrities such as Underwood, Katy Perry, and Leslie Odom Jr. They also performed at President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2013.

One of the choir’s most popular videos is their performance of Underwood’s #1 hit, “So Small.” Underwood sang with the group, making it an unforgettable moment for everyone involved.

The video of their collaboration has over one million views on YouTube alone.

Now, 13 years later, Breinberg and PS22 stopped by the set of American Idol to surprise Underwood. The show’s host, Ryan Seacrest, asked Underwood if she remembered the talented group.

As she responded that she did, Seacrest led her outside, where PS22 was waiting. Then, they launched into an inspirational cover of “So Small” that immediately brought tears to Underwood’s eyes.

Children’s Choir Sings “So Small” With Carrie Underwood On Season 23 Of American Idol

Underwood watched in misty-eyed awe as PS22 sang the first few lines of “So Small.” They paused mid-song, and Underwood took a moment to praise their performance, calling it “so beautiful.”

Then, Breinberg asked Underwood if she’d like to join in on the chorus like she did 13 years ago. She was happy to do so.

Even as she was singing, Underwood couldn’t keep herself from getting choked up. She started crying again and took a moment to wipe tears away from her eyes.

The choir finished the song on their own, and Underwood gave them a warm round of applause. She apologized for crying as she hugged Breinberg, telling him, “They got me.”

“Thank you,” Underwood told the kids in the choir. “Oh my gosh, you guys just gave me the biggest gift.”

In addition to reuniting with PS22 after 13 years, Underwood is celebrating another milestone. This year marks the 20th anniversary of her winning her own season of American Idol in 2005.

Now, as a judge, Underwood is helping a new generation of singers make their dreams come true.

Because of that, we have a feeling the children’s choir’s cover of “So Small” won’t be the last emotional moment we see with Underwood on this season of American Idol.