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.

Wynonna Judd; Photo by Motion Theory Media

Wynonna Judd Looks Back On History With ACM Awards Ahead of Milestone Performance [Exclusive]

Posted on May 7, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

The country icon reflects on past ACM Awards memories, including one with her late mom, Naomi Judd.

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Rascal Flatts; Photo by Motion Theory Media

Rascal Flatts And Backstreet Boys Tease Surprise ACM Awards Moments

Posted on May 7, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“we’ve got a few more tricks up our sleeves…”

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Lainey Wilson;Photo by Motion Theory Media

Lainey Wilson Opens Up About Emotional ACM Awards Rehearsal With Reba McEntire and Miranda Lambert [Exclusive]

Posted on May 7, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

She admits, “We were all just trying to hold it together out there.”

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Gabby Barrett; Photo by Motion Theory Media

Why Gabby Barrett Is Flying Solo At The 2025 ACM Awards [Exclusive]

Posted on May 7, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Barrett is preparing to preset at the elite awards show while her husband is celebrating a major milestone of his own.

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Jessie Murph; Photo by Motion Theory Media

Jessie Murph Reveals She’ll Be Walking The 2025 ACM Awards Red Carpet With A Pig [Exclusive]

Posted on May 7, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“His name’s Wilbur,” Murph shared.

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Riley Green; Photo by Motion Theory Media

Riley Green Reacts To Surprise ACM Win And The Rise Of ‘Worst Way’ [Exclusive]

Posted on May 7, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“It’s literally been like a rocket ship since we put that song out,” Green admits of the steamy tune.

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Zach Top; Photo by Motion Theory Media

Zach Top Reflects On First ACM Nominations And His Laid-Back Approach To Red Carpet Fashion [Exclusive]

Posted on May 7, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Much like his music, Top says he doesn’t let anyone tell him how to dress.

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Cody Johnson; Photo by Motion Theory Media

Cody Johnson Opens Up About Milestone ACM Awards Year And Special Performance With Brooks & Dunn [Exclusive]

Posted on May 6, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Johnson is walking into the 2025 ACM Awards as one of the most-nominated acts of the night.

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Kelsea Ballerini; Photo by Motion Theory Media

Kelsea Ballerini Reflects On First ACM Entertainer Of The Year Nomination [Exclusive]

Posted on May 6, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Ballerini touched on the incredible recognition as well as her highly anticipated performance at the award show.

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Russell Dickerson; Photo by Motion Theory Media

Russell Dickerson Discusses The Unexpected Rise Of ‘Happen To Me’ And Creating A Viral Dance Trend [Exclusive]

Posted on May 6, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“I did not think that it was going to be as huge as it is,” Dickerson shared honestly.

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