Madeleine O'Connell

Madeleine O’Connell

Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.

Ashley Anne; Photo Provided

Country Next: Ashley Anne

Posted on May 8, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

We’re proud to showcase country music’s brightest new stars through our Country Next series. In this installment, we talk to Ashley Anne.

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Jana Kramer, EBY; Photos Provided

Jana Kramer Teams Up with EBY to Launch ‘Wild & Free’ Collection Inspired by Comfort and Freedom

Posted on May 7, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“…you don’t have to earn comfort by tolerating pain. That goes for relationships and it goes for your bra,” said Kramer.

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Morgan Wallen, Jameson and Family; Photo Courtesy Amanda Doud

Morgan Wallen Quietly Covers Funeral Expenses for 8-Year-Old Fan He Met Backstage Before Tragic Loss

Posted on May 7, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“We just can’t be more grateful to Morgan Wallen…” shared the family.

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Hannah Harper, Jo Dee Messina; Photos Courtesy of Hannah Harper

‘American Idol’ Finalist Hannah Harper Shocked as Jo Dee Messina Unexpectedly Crashes Hometown Show

Posted on May 7, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

What started as a performance of Jo Dee Messina’s “Heads Carolina, Tails California” quickly turned into a full-circle moment.

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Koe Wetzel; Photo by Shiloh Hughes

Everything We Know About Koe Wetzel’s Upcoming Album, ‘The Night Champion’

Posted on May 6, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I survived the night side of me. I’m coming out of it a champion. That’s the essence of the record,” said Wetzel.

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Photo Courtesy of Bobby Bones

Bobby Bones’ Wife Caitlin Estell Gets Candid About High-Risk Pregnancy and Autoimmune Disease Battle

Posted on May 5, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“…normally, in a normal pregnancy you have two to three your whole pregnancy, and I had over forty,” shared Caitlin.

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Ella Langley Dandelion Tour Outfit Inspo

What to Wear to Ella Langley’s Dandelion Tour: Outfit Ideas Inspired by Her Signature Style

Posted on May 5, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Create your perfect concert-ready look, from denim-on-denim moments to lace dresses, Western boots, and more.

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Photo Courtesy of Parker McCollum

Parker McCollum Reflects on Extreme Burnout, Shares What Saved His Career

Posted on May 5, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I was about to just hang it up completely,” McCollum admitted.

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Photos Courtesy of Kane Brown, Shania Twain

Kane Brown Hints at Releasing ‘Interpolation’ Of Shania Twain Hit This Summer

Posted on May 4, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Brown might be dropping his take on the classic hit, “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under.”

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Ethan Garner; Photo by Bree Marie Fish

Country Next: Ethan Garner

Posted on May 4, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

We’re proud to showcase country music’s brightest new stars through our Country Next series. In this installment, we talk to Ethan Garner.

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