The students at Barrington High School in Chicago were the envy of their classmates after winning a visit from Rihanna as part of a contest she sponsored. Barrington was declared the winner after schools from around the country submitted videos highlighting their charitable work, with RiRi’s single “Diamonds” serving as the soundtrack.

Rihanna was excited to meet the 2500 students, who packed the gym anticipating her arrival. “On my way to Barrington High School in Chicago!! I can’t wait to meet these kids man!! They’re major inspirational life changers,” said RiRi, who was in town for her “Diamonds World Tour.”

The upbeat mood shifted after she arrived more than three hours late, blaming her tardiness on traffic. “This Chicago traffic is not working,” she tweeted.

But all was forgiven when she did finally show. The down-to-earth singer hugged students and took photos for about fifteen minutes before heading to her concert at the United Center.

“Thank you guys for coming and waiting,” she told the high schoolers. “I was so touched seeing the video, I wanted to make sure I came and expressed that to you guys in person.”

See footage from RiRi’s school visit below. [RapUp]