Rising country star Mitch Rossell made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, December 17, 2022. Surrounded by family and friends, the momentous occasion was made even sweeter when Rossell’s friend and mentor Garth Brooks surprised the singer — and unsuspecting Opry audience — with a heartfelt introduction!
Before Rossell could begin his performance on the coveted stage for the very first time, Garth appeared from stage left as Opry Announcer Mike Terry gave the floor to Brooks for the unforgettable introduction.
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“Tonight, I’m getting to do something I’ve never got to do,” said Brooks. “I am getting to introduce a guy for the first time ever on this stage.”
The country icon went on to share the importance of the Grand Ole Opry, explaining to the audience how the Opry stage is where “every country singer’s dreams come true.” The “Friends In Low Places” singer continued his introduction by emphasizing Rossell’s talent and love of country music, finishing his speech with, “It is my honor to introduce a great talent and even greater friend, please make welcome Mitch Rossell.”
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“I was not expecting that,” said a shocked Rossell after sharing a heartfelt hug with Brooks. “I was having a hard enough time collecting myself back there. I can’t tell you what an honor it is to stand here. I know that’s probably cliché to say, but the energy coming up through this floor; It’s unbelievable. I am just really grateful to be here.”
Rossell then performed his highest streaming track, “All I Need To See,” before introducing his second song of the night, “Son.” Released on December 16, 2022, “Son” is one of Rossell’s most raw and honest songs to date.
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“I’m gonna try to get through this song,” said Rossell. “This is definitely the most personal thing I’ve ever written. It is a really emotional moment for me for a lot of reasons.”
He continues, “I lost my dad when I was a kid and he’s the reason I picked up the guitar, and he wanted me to play music. Later in life, I decided to start playing guitar to honor that wish…this song is about him.”
The emotional ballad shares a multi-generational story filled to the brim with love, family and loss, taken from actual events Rossell has experienced throughout his life. The Opry audience responded to the moving performance with a standing ovation for the East Tennessee native.
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Rossell’s career has been on the ups after he caught the attention of his long-time favorite artist — Brooks — and was invited by the country hitmaker to join him on both his 2016 summer world tour and Brooks’ 2022 stadium tour. In addition to Rossell’s fan favorite songs “All I Need To See,” “2020” and “Ran into You” with Trish Yearwood, the up-and-comer has also co-written four of Brooks’ most recent singles, including “Ask Me How I Know,” “That’s What Cowboys Do,” “All Day Long” and “Dive Bar.”