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.

Luke Combs, Blake Shelton; Photo Provided

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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Photos Courtesy of Macie Coleman and Brandon Laine Coleman-

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; Photo by Rand Smith

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; Photo Provided, Zach Top, Ashley Cooke; Photo by Justin Renfroe

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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Photo Courtesy of 80 Acres

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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ERNEST; Photo by Delaney Royer

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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Photo Courtesy of Cody Johnson

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; Photo by Samuel Thomas

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, Mitchell Tenpenny; Photo by Ford Fairchild

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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Taylor Austin Dye; Photo Provided

Country Next: Taylor Austin Dye

Posted on March 30, 2026

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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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