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.

Photo Courtesy of Zach Top

Zach Top Talks Living a Normal Life Amid Rising Fame and Staying Present in the Moment

Posted on April 22, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“We can go play a show to 20,000 people one night and then go buy bacon at the Kroger the next morning,” said Top.

Read More ›

Hannah Harper; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

Hannah Harper Turns Criticism Into a ‘Redemption Moment’ on ‘American Idol’s’ Disney Night

Posted on April 21, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The hopeful contestant earned a spot in the Top 7 with her performance of “Almost There.”

Read More ›

Megan Moroney; Photo by CHRISEAN ROSE for PEOPLE, Dolly Parton; Album Cover

Megan Moroney Channels Dolly Parton’s Signature ‘Jolene’ Look for PEOPLE’s World’s Most Beautiful Issue

Posted on April 21, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“I see a lot of myself in her,” says Moroney.

Read More ›

Photos Courtesy of Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves Brings Her Own Perspective to George Strait Cover During Coachella Return

Posted on April 20, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

This performance proved that Musgraves and Strait have more than one thing in common.

Read More ›

Photos Courtesy of Carter Faith, Rudy Pankow.

Carter Faith Stars With Rudy Pankow In New Music Video For Kygo Collab ‘That’s When You Know’

Posted on April 20, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The pair hit the road and explore the risk that comes with taking a leap for love.

Read More ›

Photos Courtesy of Country Thunder Florida

Country Thunder Florida Relocates to Clearwater for 2026 Festival

Posted on April 20, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The new location is set less than 20 miles from the original site.

Read More ›

Dylan Conrique; Photo by David Od

Dylan Conrique Talks Her Shift From Pop to Country Music and Finding Her Voice in Nashville

Posted on April 17, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Conrique’s newest release, “A Little Like You” proves that she has found her rightful home in country music.

Read More ›

Belles, Dolly Parton; Photo Provided

Belles Opens Up About Reimagining ‘Jolene’ and Working With Dolly Parton on ‘Son of Jolene’

Posted on April 17, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“I never in a million years thought that I would ever get to meet her, much less have a song with her,” shared Belles of the country icon.

Read More ›

Photos Courtesy of Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves Claims She Spotted Three UFOs On Flight From Texas To Tennessee

Posted on April 10, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“S–t is weird, but I’m here for it. I’m open to it, I’m here for it.”

Read More ›

George Strait; Photo by Jill Trunnell

George Strait Makes Triumphant Return to the Stage at Austin’s Moody Center

Posted on April 10, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

This show marked the first of Strait’s seven-show run in 2026.

Read More ›