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.

Morgan Wallen; Photo by David Lehr , Lainey Wilson; Photo by Andrew Wendowski

Digital Dominance: Morgan Wallen And Lainey Wilson Among The Most-Googled Country Artists Of 2023 In New Study

Posted on July 27, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

A new study has unveiled the reigning champions of the country music realm in the digital sphere.

Read More ›

MaRynn Taylor; Photos by Chris Hollo, Nadia Nuyens

Exclusive: See Inside MaRynn Taylor’s Grand Ole Opry Debut

Posted on July 27, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Country Now has the exclusive look into Taylor’s Opry debut with a photo diary and video premiere.

Read More ›

Luke Bryan; Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

Luke Bryan Reminisces His Magical First Trip To Nashville That Ignited His Country Music Ambitions

Posted on July 26, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The country star’s first trip to Music City left a lasting impact on him.

Read More ›

Scotty McCreery and Family; Photo Courtesy Instagram

Scotty McCreery Shares Picture-Perfect Family Snapshots From Adventure To Zion National Park

Posted on July 26, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

This trip marks another milestone with their baby boy.

Read More ›

Lainey Wilson, Deana Carter; Photos via TikTok

Lainey Wilson And Deana Carter’s ‘Watermelon Moonshine’ And ‘Strawberry Wine’ Mashup Has Fans Begging For A Duet

Posted on July 26, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Many listeners have dubbed Wilson’s “Watermelon Moonshine” the modern-day “Strawberry Wine.”

Read More ›

Chris Stapleton; Photo by Becky Fluke

Chris Stapleton’s ‘White Horse’ Makes Historic Debut At Country Radio

Posted on July 25, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The song is the lead single from Stapleton’s forthcoming album, “Higher.”

Read More ›

Luke-Bryan-Katy-Perry-Lionel-Richie-Ryan-Seacrest; Photo by ABC, American Idol

Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, & Ryan Seacrest Returning To ‘American Idol’ For Season 22

Posted on July 25, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

ABC has confirmed that Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will return as judges on the next season of…

Read More ›

Walker Hayes and Family; Photo Provided

Walker Hayes And His Six Kids Team Up With Great Clips For Back-To-School Campaign, Showcasing the Power Of A New Haircut

Posted on July 25, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The campaign also features a sneak peek at a new Walker Hayes song fittingly titled, “Haircut.”

Read More ›

Zachariah Smith, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan; Photos Courtesy Facebook

‘American Idol’ Alum Zachariah Smith Opens Up About Gaining Valuable Connections With Keith Urban And Luke Bryan

Posted on July 25, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“These people really take the time to sit down, get a good look at you and give you some advice,” the singer shared.

Read More ›

Graham Barham; Photo by Jesse Deflorio

Meet Graham Barham: The Singer/Songwriter Destined To Dominate The Country Music Scene

Posted on July 25, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Barham is ready to introduce his music to the world following the release of his debut EP.

Read More ›