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.

Bella Emry; Disney/Eric McCandless

What Did The ‘American Idol’ Judges Say After Bella Emry Reimagined A Morgan Wallen Song In Her Audition?

Posted on February 16, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

She admitted she was the “most nervous” she had ever been in her life.

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Brenna Brigman; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

Texas Vocal Coach Brenna Brigman Impresses ‘American Idol’ Judges With Powerful Second Chance Performance

Posted on February 16, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“This is the life I’ve always dreamed of for myself!”

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Luke Bryan, Landon Hughes; Photos by Disney, ABC

Luke Bryan Admits Skepticism, Then 19-Year-Old Landon Hughes Wins Over ‘Idol’ Judges With Bluegrass-Fueled Audition

Posted on February 16, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Bryan wasn’t completely on board at first, but that all changed.

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Ella Langley; Photo by Caylee Robillard

Ella Langley Keeps the Hits Coming With New Song ‘Be Her’ Ahead of ‘Dandelion’ Release

Posted on February 13, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I knew ‘Be Her’ was a hit the second we started writing it,” said co-writer HARDY.

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The Band Perry; Photo by Alysse Gafkjen

The Band Perry On Entering ‘Season Two’ With Obsessive New Anthem ‘PSYCHOLOGICAL’

Posted on February 13, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“It is the next installation of my favorite subgenre of Band Perry Country Music, which is the psycho girl love song,” Kimberly shared.

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Cody Johnson, Luke Combs; Photo Courtesy Luke Combs

Cody Johnson Reflects On His Longtime Friendship With Luke Combs: ‘Real Respects Real’

Posted on February 12, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I have nothing but respect for Luke…”

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Photo Courtesy of Luke Combs

Luke Combs Shares Full 22-Song Track List for ‘The Way I Am’ Album

Posted on February 12, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Combs shared that he is “super pumped” to reveal the track list with fans.

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Photo Courtesy Riley Green

Is Riley Green Making His Acting Debut In ‘MARSHALS’?

Posted on February 12, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Could the guitar-playing mystery in the trailer man be Riley Green?

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Russell Dickerson; Photo by Bree Marie Fish

Russell Dickerson Reflects on Simple Valentine’s Day Celebrations and the True Meaning of ‘The Roses’

Posted on February 12, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Dickerson’s romantic new song arrives just in time for the love-filled holiday.

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Tracy Lawrence; Photo by Blake Harbison

Tracy Lawrence Reflects On Being Shot Four Times In 1991 And The Lasting Effects He Still Faces Today

Posted on February 11, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“That was a very traumatic experience for me.”

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