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.
Riley Green Turns Up the Heat With ‘Change My Mind’ Performance On CMA Fest Broadcast
Posted on June 25, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Green pulled double duty serving as both a performer and co-host of the night.
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Ella Langley Shines With Performances of ‘Be Her’ and ‘Choosin’ Texas’ During CMA Fest Broadcast
Posted on June 25, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Langley put two of her biggest songs on display during the three-hour broadcast.
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WATCH: Jelly Roll Performs Inspiring New Anthem ‘Hands Up’ At CMA Fest 2026
Posted on June 25, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Jelly Roll’s performance came to life during the broadcast, just days after officially releasing the track.
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Gretchen Wilson & Ella Langley Kick Off 2026 CMA Fest Broadcast With Rowdy ‘Here For The Party’ Duet
Posted on June 25, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
The powerhouse female acts wasted no time in setting the tone for the night.
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Alan Jackson Honors 50-Year Love Story With Wife Denise On ‘Still The One’
Posted on June 25, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“Any time we hear that song, it brings back these memories,” Jackson shared.
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Carly Pearce Brings Bluegrass Roots To CMA Fest With Ricky Skaggs, Molly Tuttle & Rising Mandolin Star
Posted on June 24, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
The special performance will air June 25 as part of the three-hour broadcast, CMA Fest Presented by SoFi.
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Kacey Musgraves, Eric Church, Ella Langley & More Named Special Award Honorees For 19th ACM Honors
Posted on June 24, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
The 2026 ceremony will take place on August 19 at The Pinnacle in downtown Nashville.
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Taylor Swift Joins Lainey Wilson for ‘Love Story’ at Tight Ends & Friends Show in Nashville
Posted on June 24, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
This marked the second year that Swift has showed up at the event in Music City.
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Kane Brown Took Golf Ball To The Head, Resulting in 23 Stitches and ‘Slight Concussion’
Posted on June 24, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“I’m alive and that’s all that matters,” Brown wrote.
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Kenny Chesney Announces 21st Album ‘Silver Sands Marina,’ Releases Reflective Title Track
Posted on June 24, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“When I started thinking about all the things music can be, a few songs came in – and Silver Springs Marina, as it now exists, took shape,” shared Chesney.
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