Country music star Carrie Underwood, a former NSU student and American Idol winner, thrilled local fans during a performance Friday night.

NSU's Downtown Country performers presented a musical tribute to Underwood, dubbed "Carrie Me Home." Following the tribute, Underwood was introduced and honored by NSU President Dr. Don Betz, who said Underwood graduated magna cum laude with a mass communication degree. He also presented her an award.

Underwood took the stage and performed a number of her hit songs, including "Jesus, Take the Wheel," "Last Name" and "Wasted." She told her fans about her time at NSU, living in the dorms for over two years, and working at the local restaurant Sam & Ellas. She said being on the road so much, she misses home the most.



Underwood named one of her songs, "I Ain't In Checotah Anymore," after her hometown of Checotah. Members of Downtown Country performed that song before Underwood took the stage.

Source: Tahlequah Daily Press


And coverage from Muskogee Phoenix...



TAHLEQUAH — While Northeastern State University’s Downtown Country music troupe paid tribute to former member Carrie Underwood Friday night, dozens of audience members faced the other way — trying to get a snapshot, an autograph, a glimpse of the guest of honor.

Underwood — a 2003 Downtown Country member, 2005 American Idol winner, 2006 NSU graduate and current country music star — returned to her old college stomping ground Friday to help with NSU’s Centennial Countdown. NSU marks the centennial of its status as a state institution March 6.

“Carrie’s definitely not in Checotah tonight, because she’s right here in Tahlequah, Oklahoma,” said Downtown Country Director Kellie Doolin Farmer.

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