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.

Girl Named Tom, Kelly Clarkson, Jake Hoot; Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC

Jake Hoot and Girl Named Tom Return To ‘The Voice’ In-Season All-Star Showdown

Posted on April 7, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“If it worked once…Welcome back Jake Hoot and Girl Named Tom,” Kelly Clarkson shared.

Read More ›

Photo Courtesy of Tucker Wetmore

Tucker Wetmore Honors U.S. Troops With Visits to Naval Base Guam and Andersen Air Force Base

Posted on April 7, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“God bless our troops,” wrote Wetmore.

Read More ›

Photos Courtesy of Thomas Rhett

Thomas Rhett Explains the Meaning Behind Son Brave Elijah’s Name

Posted on April 6, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“We loved what that word meant for a boy or girl,” Rhett shared of the name.

Read More ›

Dan + Shay; Photo by Robby Klein

Dan + Shay Return With Powerful Message Surrounding Mental Health In New Single, ‘Say So’

Posted on April 6, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“The subject matter is heavy, it is serious and it is timely and it is something we feel is important to talk about,” said Dan + Shay.

Read More ›

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

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The moment became anything but unforgettable for Combs.

Read More ›

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

| By

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.

Read More ›

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

| By

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.

Read More ›

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

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The star-studded event benefitting Folds Of Honor will return to Nashville’s First Horizon Park on Monday, June 1.

Read More ›

Photo Courtesy of 80 Acres

Dylan Marlowe Fronts New Rock-Leaning Band, 80 Acres

Posted on April 1, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Get to know the new five-piece band and the first taste of their upcoming music.

Read More ›

ERNEST; Photo by Delaney Royer

Everything We Know About ERNEST’s Third Studio Album, ‘Deep Blue’

Posted on April 1, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Get all the album details, from the stories behind the songs, the island that shaped the project, outside cuts and more.

Read More ›