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.

Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Netflix to Spotlight Lainey Wilson’s Musical Journey In New ‘Keepin’ Country Cool’ Documentary

Posted on January 28, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I couldn’t be more excited that this documentary is going to be on Netflix,” Wilson said.

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Cody Johnson, Ella Langley; Photos Provided

Cody Johnson, Ella Langley And More Set For Atlanta’s First-Ever Braves Country Fest

Posted on January 28, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

A full day of country music is coming to Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta on June 13, 2026.

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Gabby Barrett; Courtesy of Warner Music Nashville

Gabby Barrett On Juggling Life as a Touring Artist, Wife, and Mom of Three: ‘I Am Honestly Living The Dream’

Posted on January 27, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Barrett opened up about this and more during a conversation with Kaitlyn Bristowe on ‘Off The Vine.’

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Ella Langley; Photo by Caylee Robillard

Ella Langley Announces Sophomore Album, ‘Dandelion,’ Reflects On the Heart and Stories Behind The Songs

Posted on January 27, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“This next record to me has so much growth in it. I feel the most myself I’ve ever felt.”

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Jayson Arendt; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

Texas Tailgater Jayson Arendt Hits a Home Run on ‘American Idol’ with Chris Stapleton Cover

Posted on January 27, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Jayson showed that his talent isn’t just for the baseball field.

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Khloe Grace; Photos by Disney/Eric McCandless

WATCH: 15-Year-Old Khloe Grace Turns Tragedy Into Hope With Emotional ‘American Idol’ Audition

Posted on January 27, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

She blew the judges and viewers away with a tribute song honoring a girl she never got to meet.

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Carrie Underwood; Photo by Disney/Randy Holmes

Carrie Underwood Confirms She Will Not Headline a Tour in 2026

Posted on January 26, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Instead of embarking on a headline run, Underwood will stay busy judging Idol and caring for her family.

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Photos Courtesy of Nate Smith

Nate Smith Reveals New Tattoo Inspired By Unreleased Song, ‘Pray’

Posted on January 26, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

The fresh ink gives fans a glimpse of the powerful message behind Smith’s forthcoming track.

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Zach Top; Photo Courtesy of YouTube

WATCH: Zach Top Returns to Home State to Deliver Unforgettable National Anthem Performance at Lumen Field

Posted on January 26, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Top turned heads with his powerful performance.

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Photo Courtesy of Mitchell Tenpenny

Mitchell Tenpenny Offers A Reflective Take on Love, Growth, and Finding Yourself In ‘You Phase’

Posted on January 23, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

The new song marks Tenpenny’s first release of 2026.

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