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.
JUST IN: 2026 Rock The South Music Festival Rescheduled
Posted on June 9, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
All three original headliners will return for the new dates, along with an additional headliner for the expanded fourth day.
Read More ›
Inside Spotify House 2026: Surprise Guests, Star-Studded Performances, & More
Posted on June 9, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
Jelly Roll, Carter Faith, Cole Swindell, Ashley McBryde and more took over Ole Red with a run of standout performances.
Read More ›
Trend’s ‘Off The Record’ with HARDY & Friends Raises Over $400,000 Through A Night of Music and Giving
Posted on June 9, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
The night benefitted The HARDY Fund and Unlimited Play.
Read More ›
Cody Johnson Proves Why He’s ACM Entertainer of the Year During Sold-Out Rosemont Concert
Posted on June 3, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
Johnson brought his high-energy show to fans just outside of Chicago as a stop on his 2026 headlining run.
Read More ›
Drew Baldridge Reflects On Disappointment, Self-Doubt After ‘Rebel’ Was Pulled From Country Radio
Posted on June 1, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“…this is me just being honest, I’m a little down today,” shared Baldridge.
Read More ›
Lucas Leon Reflects on ‘American Idol’ Journey, Brad Paisley’s Opry Invite & What’s Next [Exclusive]
Posted on May 29, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
The Idol alum also digs into the inspiration behind his newest song, “The Crazy Kind.”
Read More ›
Tim McGraw Returns With First New Music in Over a Year, Drops ‘Pawn Shop Guitar’ & ‘Song for America’
Posted on May 29, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“It’s no secret that over the last few years I got sidelined with back and knee issues,” McGraw explained.
Read More ›
Chris Janson Shares Heartfelt Message After Joining Keith Urban Onstage At Gulf Coast Jam
Posted on May 29, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“He’s always been in my corner, and I can’t tell y’all how much it means to me,” Janson said of Urban.
Read More ›
Country Next: Bellah Mae
Posted on May 29, 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 Bellah Mae.
Read More ›
Riley Green Honors Toby Keith on New Summer Anthem, ‘Think As You Drunk,’ Featuring The Late Icon’s Vocals
Posted on May 28, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
The new song serves as a glimpse into Green’s just announced album arriving this September.
Read More ›