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.

Ella Langley; Photo by Caylee Robillard

Ella Langley Makes Chart History as ‘Choosin’ Texas’ Tops Billboard Hot 100

Posted on February 9, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

This feat makes Langley the first female in country music history to simultaneously lead three Billboard charts.

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Luke Bryan; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

Luke Bryan Talks Embracing His Life And Career On His Own Terms

Posted on February 9, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Even as he balances life in the spotlight, Luke Bryan credits his family for keeping him centered.

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Blake Shelton; Photo by Robby Klein

Blake Shelton Opens Up About His Signature Mullet Era, And The Criticism That Brought It To An End

Posted on February 6, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“It was like that phase had already ran out and then no one told me,” Shelton told Bobby Bones.

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Megan Moroney; Photo by Amber Asaly

Megan Moroney Unveils Blissful ‘Cloud 9’ Title Track

Posted on February 6, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

The new song arrives ahead of Moroney’s album release and international headlining tour.

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Ashland Craft, Chase Rice; Photo by Quinton Cook

Ashland Craft and Chase Rice Team Up for Emotional Reworking of ‘Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To’

Posted on February 6, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“Between the stories, the shared Carolina roots, and his honest approach to songwriting, he brought a depth that made this version feel both familiar and brand new,” Craft shared of Rice.

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Parker McCollum, Ty Myers; Photos Provided

Parker McCollum, Ty Myers Among First Performers Announced for Backstage Access Presents’ Inaugural Napa Event

Posted on February 5, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

More performers will be announced in the coming months.

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Hannah Harper; Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Five Things To Know About Hannah Harper, The ‘American Idol’ Contestant Everyone Is Talking About

Posted on February 5, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

All eyes are on Harper as she pushes forward in the competition.

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Chris Janson, Kelly Janson; Photo via Instagram

Chris Janson Pens New Song ‘Easy to Love, Harder to Hold’ with Wife Kelly

Posted on February 5, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“This is exactly how I felt the moment I met my wife, Kelly,” Janson explains.

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Kenny Chesney; Photo by Catherine Powell

Kenny Chesney Opens Up About His Unique Wellness Routine, From Saunas to Plasma Exchange

Posted on February 4, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I do a lot of witchcraft stuff,” says Chesney.

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Cody Johnson; Photo Courtesy of Cody Johnson

Cody Johnson Opens Up About Son Jaycee and Adjusting to Newborn Life Again After Eight Years

Posted on February 4, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I was so out of practice,” Johnson admits.

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