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.

Shania Twain; Photo by Brian Bowen Smith/NBC

2024 People’s Choice Country Awards: How To Watch, Who’s Performing, Who’s Nominated & More

Posted on September 26, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

Here’s everything you need to know so you don’t miss a moment of the fun!

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Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan; Photos by Getty Images for ACM

Jason Aldean Pays Tribute to Longtime Friend Luke Bryan at ACM Honors

Posted on September 24, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

Aldean performed Bryan’s song “Someone Else Calling You Baby” and delivered a heartfelt speech in honor of his friend.

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Vince Gill and Ashley McBryde perform onstage during the 17th Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 21, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM

Vince Gill and Ashley McBryde Team Up For ‘When I Call Your Name’ Performance In Honor of ACM Icon Award Winner Tony Brown

Posted on September 24, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

They delivered a goosebumps-inducing rendition of the 1990 hit.

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Jamey Johnson performs onstage during the 17th Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 21, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for ACM

Jamey Johnson Delivers Stripped-Down Rendition Of Chris Stapleton’s ‘Whiskey And You’ At ACM Honors

Posted on September 24, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

Stapleton was recognized with the Artist-Songwriter of the Year Award.

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Terri Clark, Post Malone, Lainey Wilson; Photos by Getty Images for ACM

Terri Clark and Post Malone Celebrate Two-Time Honoree Lainey Wilson At 17th Annual ACM Honors

Posted on September 24, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

Wilson was recognized for two special honors: the ACM Triple Crown Award and the ACM Milestone Award. 

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Warren Zeiders; Photo by Austin Screws

Warren Zeiders Reflects On People’s Choice Country Awards Nominations: ‘I Feel Honored’ [Exclusive]

Posted on September 23, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

The rising star scored two nods for the upcoming show: New Artist of 2024 and New Artist Song of 2024 with “Betrayal.” 

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Kip Moore; Photo Provided

Kip Moore Makes Bold Return With First Song Release In Nearly Two Years, ‘Live Here To Work’

Posted on September 20, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

Moore’s brand-new single tackles the relatable topic of the struggle of work-life balance.

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Photo Courtesy of Keith Urban

Keith Urban Shares Insight into the Making of His New Album, ‘High’

Posted on September 20, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

‘High’ is Keith Urban’s first album in four years, emerging after he scrapped an earlier project, 615, which he began working on in 2022.

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Mitchell Tenpenny; Photo by Zach Pigg

Mitchell Tenpenny’s ‘The 3rd’ Offers a Deeply Personal Look At The People Who Raised Him And The Legacy He Plans To Leave Behind [Exclusive]

Posted on September 20, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

Tenpenny’s new album is a complete reflection of his life: “It describes where I’m at, at this point.”

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The Cadillac Three; Photo Provided

The Cadillac Three Cancels All Remaining 2024 Shows As Member Jaren Johnson Begins Treatment For His Mental Health

Posted on September 20, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

“The right thing to do right now is to make space to focus on family, health, and longevity,” the band wrote.

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