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.

Chris Stapleton, The War and Treaty; Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for ACM

The War And Treaty Salute ACM Triple Crown Winner Chris Stapleton With Show-Stopping Performance At 2023 ACM Honors

Posted on September 18, 2023

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Madeleine O’Connell

“His sound is so unique and so ahead of the curve that it’s no surprise that he’s winning this award tonight,” the duo said of Stapleton.

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FIREROSE, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Travis Denning; Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM

Billy Ray Cyrus, FIREROSE, And Travis Denning Honor The Late Charlie Daniels With Electrifying ACM Honors Performance

Posted on September 18, 2023

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Madeleine O’Connell

Billy Ray Cyrus and his fiancé FIREROSE joined forces with rising country star Travis Denning to deliver a hard-hitting performance…

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Lady A; Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for ACM

Lady A Tributes Country Music ‘Royalty,’ Clint Black, With Flawless ACM Honors Performance

Posted on September 18, 2023

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Madeleine O’Connell

“We are so happy to be a part of this night of celebration, especially for you Clint,” Lady A’s Hillary Scott shared from the stage.

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Dolly Parton; Photo by Andrew Wendowski

Even Dolly Parton Gets Mad Sometimes: ‘I Don’t Lose My Temper, But I Use My Temper’

Posted on September 12, 2023

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Madeleine O’Connell

“You gotta push me pretty far to get me stirred up,” she admits.

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Tyler Hubbard; Photo by John Shearer

Tyler Hubbard’s ‘Back Then Right Now’ Takes Listeners On a Nostalgic Journey To Simpler Times

Posted on September 8, 2023

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Madeleine O’Connell

“Back Then Right Now” follows Hubbard’s back-to-back No.1s “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country.”

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Chris Stapleton; Photo Courtesy Filson

Chris Stapleton Announces Partnership With Filson, Unveils Soon-To-Be-Released ‘Traveller Collection’

Posted on September 6, 2023

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Madeleine O’Connell

The five-piece bag collection launches this fall.

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Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics, Courtesy of Facebook

The Story Behind The University Of Tennessee’s Unofficial Fight Song, ‘Rocky Top’

Posted on September 1, 2023

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Madeleine O’Connell

The song “Rocky Top” has been a staple among Tennessee residents for decades. It is especially honored by the University…

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Brian Kelley; Photo by Ben Christensen

Brian Kelley Yearns for Small-Town Simplicity In New Song ‘Dirt Cheap’

Posted on September 1, 2023

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Madeleine O’Connell

“The moment I heard ‘Dirt Cheap’ I knew I had to record it,’ the country singer shared.

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Billy Ray Cyrus, Firerose; Photo Courtesy GMA, YouTube

Despite Their 28-Year Age Difference, Billy Ray Cyrus Says He And Firerose Go Together Like ‘Peanut Butter and Jelly’

Posted on August 31, 2023

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I’m just so grateful that I get to live my dreams every day with the love of my life,” Firerose shared.

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Danielle Bradbery; Photo Courtesy Instagram

Danielle Bradbery Shows Off Dramatic Hair Transformation: ‘Out With The Old, In With The New’

Posted on August 31, 2023

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Madeleine O’Connell

Bradbery debuted her new hairstyle ahead of the release of her new song “The Day That I’m Over You.”

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