Carrie Underwood is a true American Idol.

The blonde country bumpkin made a surprise visit to her alma mater, Checotah High School in Checotah, OK today (August 28) to donate more than $117,000 in new music instruments to students. The generous gesture was a joint gift from Carrie’s C.A.T.S. Foundation and the Academy of Country Musics’ Lifting Lives programs.

“I am so proud to have come from such a wonderful community that helped shape me as a person,” said Miss Underwood, “and I can think of nothing better than to share the gift of music with the students in my hometown.”

Meanwhile, fifth-grader Kenedee Rittenhouse had the audience of students spellbound before the show when she stood to the side of the auditorium and sang So Small. Afterwards, 11-year-old Kenedee was left speechless when Carrie invited her on stage for an impromptu duet.