Singer/songwriter Mitch Rossell has opened for Garth Brooks many times. Over the weekend, Brooks returned the favor.

Rossell made his Grand Ole Opry debut Saturday night, and Brooks surprised Rossell by showing up to introduce the singer to the crowd and welcome him to the Opry's famed circle.

"People, you have to understand where you're at," Brooks said. "You're at the Opry, where every single country singer's dreams come true here. This is the pinnacle to get to be part of this family. Tonight I'm getting to do something I never get to do. Tonight I'm getting to introduce a guy for the first time ever on this stage. Try to understand that in Nashville, people, it's regular that the guy that's waiting on your table plays better guitar than you, sings better than you, writes better than you. There is a level that, once you get to, nobody's better than anybody else. What I'm saying is, this cat is on that level. There might be somebody that's as good of a songwriter, but they're not better. There might be somebody that's as good of a singer, but they're not better."

Rossell grinned, covered his mouth and dropped his head side stage when Brooks walked out to talk to the audience. Rossell wrote Brooks' 2017 hit "Ask Me How I Know" and said he was already nervous about playing before Brooks took the spotlight. He wrote that it took every ounce of his strength to "hold back a river of tears.

"This guy also is one of the greatest men I've ever gotten to be around in my life," Brooks continued. "Great father. Great husband. He's got his head on straight. But the favorite thing about this guy that you'll love, and I love — you'll get it immediately how much this guy loves country music. This guy is a dream. It is my honor to introduce a great talent and an even greater friend. Please make welcome Mitch Rossell."

During his performance, Rossell sang "Son," a song he wrote about losing his father and how having a son helped heal the hole in his heart.

Lyrics include: Then one blue sky morning| A brown eyed baby boy was born and| I looked outside and it started pouring|I swear they were daddy's tears| My old man, I could almost see him| In that little face with a new heart beating|The pain in mine started leaving

"'Son' is by far the most personal song I've ever put on paper and is my life story," Rossell said. "It's my way to honor my father's legacy and the love he poured into me."

After his performance, Emmylou Harris and Gail Davies told him how much they enjoyed his songs, and Rossell said Bill Anderson dropped by his dressing room to say "incredible kind words."

"Last night, I made my Grand Ole Opry debut, and let me just tell you…it was PERFECT," Rossell wrote on Facebook. "I had so many family and friends there, and it was overwhelming how many of y'all drove and flew from all over to come watch my set. I was feeling some serious butterflies and trying not to get emotional the entire evening, and then, before I knew it, there I was side stage, about to be introduced. I was trying to stay composed…and then…Mr. Mike Terry announced Garth Brooks to come and introduce me.

 "I am so grateful for the opportunities I've been given and the people I've been able to share it with."