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.

Billy Ray Cyrus; Photo by Derrek Kupish

Billy Ray Pens Emotional Post About Daughters Miley And Noah Cyrus: ‘I’m Actually Crying As I Write This’

Posted on March 26, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

Cyrus shared a proud dad moment on Instagram.

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Luke Bryan, Megan Moroney, Parker McCollum, Kelsea Ballerini; Photos Courtesy CMA

2025 CMA Fest Lineup Revealed: See The Star-Studded Lineup

Posted on March 26, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

This year’s festival will take place Thursday, June 5 through Sunday, June 8.

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Ella Langley; "Weren't For The Wind"

WATCH: Ella Langley Finds Strength In Moving On In ‘Weren’t For The Wind’ Music Video

Posted on March 25, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

The cinematic clip brings the song’s storyline to life.

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Parker McCollum at Rodeo Houston; Photo by Chris Kleinmeier

Parker McCollum Announces New Album In Front Of 72,000 Fans

Posted on March 24, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

“It is the best thing I’ve ever done,” McCollum promises of the project.

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Mattie Pruitt, American Idol Judges, Craig Campbell; Photos Courtesy ABC, American Idol

High Schooler Mattie Pruitt Wins Over ‘American Idol’ Judges With Powerful Performance Accompanied By Craig Campbell

Posted on March 24, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

This 15-Year-Old Stunned the Judges—And Earned a Golden Ticket!

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John Foster, Luke Bryan; Photos Courtesy ABC, American Idol

WATCH: John Foster Turns Luke Bryan’s ‘No’ To A ‘Yes’ With A Cover Of Conway Twitty’s ‘Goodbye Time’ On ‘American Idol’

Posted on March 24, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I don’t know if vocally it’s there to make it through many rounds of American Idol, but I think you got a nice voice…”

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Keith Urban; Photo Provided

Keith Urban Preps For First Full Tour In Three Years: ‘I’m Extra Jonesing To Get Out There’

Posted on March 24, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

The upcoming trek is expected to feature a brand-new production and a set list full of high energy tracks.

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Sophia Humbert, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan; Photos Courtesy ABC, American Idol

Sophia Humbert Lets Her Rage Out To Carrie Underwood’s ‘Before He Cheats’ In A Must-See ‘American Idol’ Audition

Posted on March 24, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

Bryan pointed out that singing a Carrie Underwood song in front of Underwood herself is a “tall order.”

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DEMPS; Photo by Andrew Wendowski

DEMPS Turns Heartbreak Into Empowerment With Fiery Anthem, ‘Boy Bye’

Posted on March 21, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

DEMPS has “never been more focused” on her songwriting.

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Warren Zeiders; Photo by Andrew Wendowski

Warren Zeiders Gears Up for Another Major Year of Touring with Two Big Tours on the Horizon

Posted on March 21, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

Zeiders is a true “road warrior.”

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