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.

Rhett Akins performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 4, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville; Photo Courtesy CMA

Rhett Akins Reveals Why His 6-Year-Old Son Is ‘Banned’ From The Grand Ole Opry [Exclusive]

Posted on June 17, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“…we’re having to retrain him for the Opry right now, but hopefully he’ll get it back together,” Akins shared.

Country Next: DEK of Hearts

Posted on June 17, 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 DEK of Hearts.

Riley Green performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday June 7, 2026, during CMA Fest presented by SoFi in downtown Nashville; Photo Courtesy CMA

Riley Green Reveals His Strategy For Co-Hosting CMA Fest 2026 [Exclusive]

Posted on June 16, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Green will join Good Morning America’s Lara Spencer in co-hosting the three-hour concert special.

Jelly Roll, Bunnie XO; Photo Courtesy Jelly Roll

Why Fans Think Bunnie Xo Has Been Quietly Hinting At Trouble In Her Marriage To Jelly Roll For Weeks

Posted on June 16, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

The cryptic posts are suddenly adding up…

Jo Dee Messina; Photo Courtesy of Academy of Country Music Awards

WATCH: ACM’s OUR COUNTRY Series Premieres Jo Dee Messina’s Performance Of Aerosmith’s ‘Dream On’

Posted on June 16, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Jo Dee Messina is the third artist to be featured in the Academy of Country Music’s new premium digital series.

Chris Young Reveals The Most Unexpected Places Fans Have Recognized Him

Posted on June 15, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Young is used to being recognized at country shows, but some of his most memorable fan encounters have happened far outside of the country music world.