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.
Luke Combs Reflects on Alan Jackson’s Final Concert, Calling It A Night He’ll ‘Never Forget’
Posted on June 29, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Combs was among the many hitmakers to take the stage in Nashville for the once-in-a-lifetime show.
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Brantley Gilbert Commemorates 11-Year Wedding Anniversary With Heartfelt Message to Wife Amber
Posted on June 29, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“Thank you for being the one that got away when you needed to, and the one that came back when you didn’t have to,” he wrote.
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Cody Johnson on the Setback That Altered His ‘Banks of the Trinity’ Album and the Texas Roots That Inspired It
Posted on June 26, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“‘Banks of the Trinity’ wouldn’t be ‘Banks of the Trinity’ without those three months,” Johnson shared.
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Cole Goodwin Shares New EP, ‘Howdy,’ Rooted in Traditional Country Sounds and Authentic Storytelling
Posted on June 26, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“I’m super proud of it and super excited for everybody to hear all of them and to play them on the road,” Goodwin shared.
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Riley Green Turns Up the Heat With ‘Change My Mind’ Performance On CMA Fest Broadcast
Posted on June 25, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Green pulled double duty serving as both a performer and co-host of the night.
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Ella Langley Shines With Performances of ‘Be Her’ and ‘Choosin’ Texas’ During CMA Fest Broadcast
Posted on June 25, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Langley put two of her biggest songs on display during the three-hour broadcast.
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WATCH: Jelly Roll Performs Inspiring New Anthem ‘Hands Up’ At CMA Fest 2026
Posted on June 25, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Jelly Roll’s performance came to life during the broadcast, just days after officially releasing the track.
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Gretchen Wilson & Ella Langley Kick Off 2026 CMA Fest Broadcast With Rowdy ‘Here For The Party’ Duet
Posted on June 25, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
The powerhouse female acts wasted no time in setting the tone for the night.
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Alan Jackson Honors 50-Year Love Story With Wife Denise On ‘Still The One’
Posted on June 25, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“Any time we hear that song, it brings back these memories,” Jackson shared.
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Carly Pearce Brings Bluegrass Roots To CMA Fest With Ricky Skaggs, Molly Tuttle & Rising Mandolin Star
Posted on June 24, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
The special performance will air June 25 as part of the three-hour broadcast, CMA Fest Presented by SoFi.
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