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 Recalls Awkward First Meeting With Blake Shelton: ‘I’m The Weird Guy in the Room That’s Sick’
Posted on April 2, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
The moment became anything but unforgettable for Combs.
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The Red Clay Strays’ Brandon Coleman And Wife Macie Introduce Baby Girl Vivian
Posted on April 2, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“She is everything I didn’t know I needed and everything I’ve ever wanted all wrapped up into one,” Macie shared of their daughter.
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Anne Wilson Experiences Full-Circle Moment Singing National Anthem At NASA’s Artemis II launch
Posted on April 2, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“Standing here now, getting to be a small part of something so historic, I’m just overwhelmed by God’s goodness,” shared Wilson.
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HARDY, Zach Top, Ashley Cooke & More Join Star-Studded Lineup For Folds of Honor’s 2026 Rock ’N Jock Softball Game
Posted on April 2, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
The star-studded event benefitting Folds Of Honor will return to Nashville’s First Horizon Park on Monday, June 1.
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Dylan Marlowe Fronts New Rock-Leaning Band, 80 Acres
Posted on April 1, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Get to know the new five-piece band and the first taste of their upcoming music.
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Everything We Know About ERNEST’s Third Studio Album, ‘Deep Blue’
Posted on April 1, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Get all the album details, from the stories behind the songs, the island that shaped the project, outside cuts and more.
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Cody Johnson Says ‘I’m Here To Stay’ After Injury Comeback, Teases Flood of New Music
Posted on April 1, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“I’ve already got the whole gun is loaded. The ammunition’s there. We’re just fixing to start sending it,” Johnson teased.
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Nate Smith Rethinks Sharing Political Views, Shifts Focus Toward Creating Hope and Unity
Posted on March 31, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“I’m not a person who’s divisive in any way and I love people so much,” Smith shared.
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Meghan Patrick and Mitchell Tenpenny Expecting First Child
Posted on March 31, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
The couple will welcome a baby girl later this year!
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Country Next: Taylor Austin Dye
Posted on March 30, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
We’re proud to showcase country music’s brightest new stars through our Country Next series. In this installment, we talk to Taylor Austin Dye.
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