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.

Lynyrd Skynyrd, Megan Moroney; Photos Provided

First-Ever Giddy Up Music Festival Canceled: Megan Moroney, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and More Won’t Take the Stage

Posted on September 3, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

This event will not move forward as planned.

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Nate Smith; Photo by Kaiser Cunningham

What We Know About Nate Smith’s Sophomore Album, ‘California Gold’

Posted on August 30, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

The album features 16 tracks, including two collaborations.

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HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE, the 17-track collaborations project honoring the life and career of Joe Diffie, was unveiled March 29, 2024, via Big Loud Records in conjunction with the Diffie estate, DIFFTAPE. With today being five months since its release, Big Loud Records’ HIXTAPE is sharing the official studio video of "Ships That Don't Come In,” recorded by the late Toby Keith and Luke Combs and also features previously recorded vocals from Diffie. 

New Video Documents Toby Keith’s Emotional Final Studio Recording Session

Posted on August 29, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

This session was recorded for HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE and also features Luke Combs.

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Tracy Lawrence; Photo by Chris Ashlee

Tracy Lawrence Opens Up About The Resurgence Of ’90s Country And Reacts To Zach Top Comparisons [Exclusive]

Posted on August 29, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I think it’s just a great time for country music,” Lawrence shared.

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Hayley Hubbard and Tyler Hubbard attend the 17th Academy Of Country Music Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 21, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Tyler Hubbard and Wife, Hayley, Pull Kids from Traditional Schooling to Start a Homeschooling Journey

Posted on August 29, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

“We won’t have it perfect at the beginning for sure, but we’re going to try it and see how it goes,” Hubbard admits.

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Boomtown Saints, Sam Grow; Photos Provided

Exclusive Premiere: BoomTown Saints and Sam Grow Explore the Hard Lessons of Young Love in New Single, ‘Heart Breaks You’

Posted on August 29, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

The song officially releases tomorrow, but we have a first-listen.

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Krystal Keith, daughter of Toby Keith, performs onstage at Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group

Toby Keith’s Daughter, Krystal Keith, Honors The Late Country Music Icon With Heartfelt Rendition Of ‘Don’t Let the Old Man In’

Posted on August 28, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I’m just going to try to get through it and honor him the best I can,” Krystal told Country Now prior to her performance.

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HARDY and Brantley Gilbert perform onstage at Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group

Brantley Gilbert and HARDY Pay Homage to Toby Keith With Rowdy Performance of ‘How Do You Like Me Now?!’

Posted on August 28, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

Gilbert and HARDY teamed up to perform one of Keith most iconic hits.

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Jamey Johnson and Lainey Wilson perform onstage at Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group

Lainey Wilson Makes Grand Entrance On Horseback For ‘Beer For My Horses’ Duet With Jamey Johnson At Toby Keith Tribute

Posted on August 28, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

This was such an iconic moment!

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Riley Green and Ella Langley perform onstage at Bridgestone Arena on July 29, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee; Photo by Photo by: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Universal Music Group

Riley Green and Ella Langley Revive Toby Keith’s ‘Who’s Your Daddy’ With Playful Duet

Posted on August 28, 2024

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Madeleine O’Connell

The pair of artists proudly played out the comedic storyline between a young woman and a sugar daddy.

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