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.

Cole Swindell with Daughter Rainey Gail; Photo via YouTube

Cole Swindell Shares A 10-Year Update To ‘You Should Be Here’ In Emotional New Song, ‘Girl Dad’

Posted on June 19, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I didn’t plan on it being this but it’s almost like a 10 year update of my life and what’s happened since then.”

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Brad Tursi; Photo by Mason Dixon

Brad Tursi On Turning His Real-Life Love Story Into His Most Personal Album Yet, ‘Colorado’ [Exclusive]

Posted on June 18, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

This marks Tursi’s second solo album.

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Conner Smith and Wife Leah; Photos via Instagram

Conner Smith And Wife Leah Thompson Smith Are Expecting Their First Child

Posted on June 18, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“Couldn’t keep this secret any longer! Baby Smith on the way…,” the couple wrote.

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Photo Courtesy of Zach John King

Zach John King Reveals How Many Pairs Of His Signature Bib Overalls He Owns

Posted on June 18, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“Ella’s got the bangs and maybe I have the bibs.” he joked.

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Photo Courtesy of Tyler Farr

Tyler Farr Provides Health Update Following Truck Accident That Resulted In Severe Concussion

Posted on June 18, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I was unresponsive for about two minutes,” Farr reveals.

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Photo Courtesy of Jelly Roll

Jelly Roll’s Daughter Bailee Ann Speaks Out Amid His Divorce From Bunnie Xo

Posted on June 17, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“At the end of the day, no matter what, we are all humans with feelings and that is worthy of compassion,” she wrote.

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Photo Courtesy of Shane Gutormson

Luke Combs Look-Alike Drives 10,700 Miles To See Every Show On North American Tour

Posted on June 17, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“12 weeks front start to finish, 12 Luke shows, 10,700 total travel miles driven (155 hours) and 1 Complete North American Tour finished!”

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Rhett Akins performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 4, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville; Photo Courtesy CMA

Rhett Akins Reveals Why His 6-Year-Old Son Is ‘Banned’ From The Grand Ole Opry [Exclusive]

Posted on June 17, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“…we’re having to retrain him for the Opry right now, but hopefully he’ll get it back together,” Akins shared.

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DEK of Hearts; Photo by Linden Stackley

Country Next: DEK of Hearts

Posted on June 17, 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 DEK of Hearts.

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Riley Green performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday June 7, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville; Photo Courtesy CMA

Riley Green Reveals His Strategy For Co-Hosting CMA Fest 2026 [Exclusive]

Posted on June 16, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Green will join Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer in co-hosting the three-hour concert special.

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