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.
Alexandra Kay Reveals She Has Already Been Writing ‘A Bunch’ Of Songs For Third Album
Posted on February 11, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
The rising star hopes to have the project finished after an upcoming writer’s retreat.
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Eric Church on Taking Risks and Pushing Boundaries with IMAX Film ‘Evangeline vs. The Machine Comes Alive’
Posted on February 11, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“…we froze that moment in time forever musically.”
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Parker McCollum’s Wife, Hallie Ray, Makes Her Music Video Debut in ‘Killin’ Me’
Posted on February 11, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“How bout a round of applause for the absolutely stunning Hallie Ray Light McCollum making her music video debut,” said McCollum.
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Russell Dickerson Reveals The Text Luke Bryan Sent Him After Their Costco Run-In
Posted on February 10, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
An ordinary Costco run turned into a memorable moment for the country acts.
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George Birge Teams Up With Luke Bryan on New Single ‘Ride, Ride, Ride’ as It Goes Most-Added at Country Radio
Posted on February 10, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“When I wrote this song, I knew I had to ask him to be a part of it,” Birge said of his collaborator.
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Parker McCollum Creates Lifelong Memory For Young Fan With Ultra-Rare Gene Disorder And Her Family
Posted on February 10, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“Parker himself was warm and unhurried. He took his time with us.”
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Carly Pearce Reveals How She Overcame Accident That Nearly Ruined Her 2020 CMA Awards Appearance
Posted on February 10, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“By the grace of God…my face looked pretty normal to be able to go to the show, at least from far away,” Pearce recalled.
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Carrie Underwood Compares 16-Year-Old Kiera Howell to Gabby Barrett During ‘American Idol’ Audition
Posted on February 9, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“You sometimes kind of have this grittiness in your voice…I could hear you singing country,” Underwood told the contestant.
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Christian Brown Brings Country Music Family Legacy to ‘American Idol’ as Son of Kentucky Music Hall of Famer
Posted on February 9, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Brown choose to sing a song his dad wrote, making for a heartfelt father-son moment.
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‘Singing Waitress’ Livy Spino Wows Judges with Carrie Underwood Cover During ‘American Idol’ Audition
Posted on February 9, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
Does this Texas Roadhouse server have what it takes to be the next American Idol?
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