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.

Iam Tongi; Photo by ABC/Eric McCandless

‘American Idol’ Winner Iam Tongi Shines Bright In ‘Special’ Homecoming Performance

Posted on July 6, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Tongi returned to Oahu’s Turtle Bay Resort to headline the annual “Ohana Day” celebration.

Read More ›

Bailey Zimmerman; Photo Courtesy Aj Astle via Instagram, Morgan Wallen; Photo by Photo by Matthew Paskert , Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson; Photos by Andrew Wendowski

Top 10 Country Songs Of 2023 (So Far)

Posted on July 6, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

These are the most played country songs of 2023 (so far), according to the Mediabase country chart.

Read More ›

Charlie Daniels; Photo by Erick Anderson, eafoto

Remembering Charlie Daniels

Posted on July 6, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Charlie Daniels was a country and Southern rock icon.

Read More ›

Chris Stapleton Super Bowl; Photo via Fox

Chris Stapleton Releases Powerful Live Recording Of Super Bowl LVII National Anthem Performance

Posted on July 3, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The country star’s rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” has been praised as one of the greatest of all time.

Read More ›

Billy Currington, Maddie & Tae, Mason Ramsey; Photos Provided

New Country Songs You Need To Hear Right Now: Billy Currington, Maddie & Tae, Mason Ramsey & More

Posted on June 30, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

It’s time to update your country playlist.

Read More ›

Megan Danielle, Maddie Poppe; Photos Provided

‘American Idol’ Runner-Up, Megan Danielle, Lands Opening Slot On ‘Idol’ Winner Maddie Poppe’s Summer Tour

Posted on June 30, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“I’m so excited,” the rising star wrote.

Read More ›

Colin Stough; Photo by ABC/Eric McCandless

What’s Next For ‘American Idol’ Finalist Colin Stough?

Posted on June 30, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The rising star spoke with Country Now about life after the show, plotting a move to Nashville, and more.

Read More ›

Bobby Bones; Photo by Robby Klein

Act Of Kindness: Bobby Bones Gives Fan The Gift Of Laughter With Free Tickets To Comedy Tour

Posted on June 29, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Bones made a fan’s day with this sweet surprise.

Read More ›

Chapel Hart; Photo via YouTube

WATCH: Chapel Hart Tributes Loretta Lynn Through Cinematic ‘Welcome To Fist City’ Music Video

Posted on June 28, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

This song and video serves as a continuation of Lynn’s 1968 single.

Read More ›

Amber Cochran Gilbert, Brantley Gilbert; Photo via Instagram

Brantley Gilbert And Wife Amber Celebrate Eight Years Of Marriage: ‘So Thankful’

Posted on June 28, 2023

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The couple said “I do” on June 28, 2015.

Read More ›