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.

Michael Garner; Photo by Disney/Connie Chornuk

Michael Garner Proves Age Is No Barrier With Standout Hollywood Week Performance On ‘American Idol’

Posted on February 23, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“…it’s not just about the age. It’s about what you got inside.”

Read More ›

Khloe Grace; Photo by Disney/Connie Chornuk

15-Year-Old Khloe Grace’s ‘American Idol’ Journey Ends After Sugarland Cover In Hollywood Week

Posted on February 23, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“It’s hard to go home,” she admits.

Read More ›

Lucas Leon; Photo by Disney/Connie Chornuk

Lucas Leon Stuns ‘American Idol’ Judges With Soulful ‘Georgia on My Mind’ Performance

Posted on February 23, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“He only called three names and praise be that I was one of them…”

Read More ›

Hannah Harper; Photo by Disney/Connie Chornuk

Hannah Harper Steps Into ‘Idol’ Hollywood Week With Lee Ann Womack Cover, Admits ‘I Forgot The Words’

Posted on February 23, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Harper admits she “got excited” and “forgot the words.”

Read More ›

Ashley McBryde, Sawyer June

Ashley McBryde Tears Up Over Magical Opry Moment With Young Star In The Making

Posted on February 23, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“y’all, you’re gonna want to remember the name Sawyer June,” McBryde insists.

Read More ›

Photos Courtesy of Eric Church, Vince Gill

Eric Church Opens Up About Losing His Brother And The Call From Vince Gill That Helped Him Heal

Posted on February 23, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“Looking back on it…he’s exactly right. It never is the same,” Church shared.

Read More ›

Jelly Roll; Photo by Jen Rosenstein

Jelly Roll Adds Special Limited Headline Run to Busy 2026 Tour Plans

Posted on February 23, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Kashus Culpepper will join Jelly Roll on the intimate trek this spring.

Read More ›

Megan Moroney at Raising Cane's Times Square; Photo Courtesy of Raising Cane’s

Megan Moroney Surprises Fans with ‘Cloud 9’ Listening Party at Raising Cane’s Times Square

Posted on February 21, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The pink-themed event marked the perfect kickoff to celebrate the release of Moroney’s Cloud 9 album.

Read More ›

Photo Courtesy of Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan Sets The Tone For 2026 Tour With New Song, ‘Word On The Street’

Posted on February 20, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“Can’t wait to get out on the road and perform it for you live,” Bryan shared.

Read More ›

Get to Know Brooke Lee: From Small-Town Beginnings to Sophomore EP and Big 2026 Plans [Exclusive]

Posted on February 20, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Brooke Lee discusses her rise from small-town roots to late nights on Broadway, her forthcoming project and the opportunities that led her here.

Read More ›