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.

Photo Courtesy of Cody Johnson

Cody Johnson Says ‘I’m Here To Stay’ After Injury Comeback, Teases Flood of New Music

Posted on April 1, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“I’ve already got the whole gun is loaded. The ammunition’s there. We’re just fixing to start sending it,” Johnson teased.

Read More ›

Nate Smith; Photo by Samuel Thomas

Nate Smith Rethinks Sharing Political Views, Shifts Focus Toward Creating Hope and Unity

Posted on March 31, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“I’m not a person who’s divisive in any way and I love people so much,” Smith shared.

Read More ›

Meghan Patrick, Mitchell Tenpenny; Photo by Ford Fairchild

Meghan Patrick and Mitchell Tenpenny Expecting First Child

Posted on March 31, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The couple will welcome a baby girl later this year!

Read More ›

Taylor Austin Dye; Photo Provided

Country Next: Taylor Austin Dye

Posted on March 30, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

We’re proud to showcase country music’s brightest new stars through our Country Next series. In this installment, we talk to Taylor Austin Dye.

Read More ›

Photo Courtesy of Chase Matthew

Chase Matthew Brings High-Energy Tour to Chicago, Previews Big Plans for New Album and Summer Tour

Posted on March 30, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“I’m glad that I can live out my dream and impact so many people.”

Read More ›

Ashley Cooke; Photo by Patrick Tracy

Ashley Cooke Turns Classic Cheating Story Into an Anthem of Strength With ‘xs’

Posted on March 27, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The story behind the breakup anthem is one anyone who’s ever been burned can relate to.

Read More ›

Photo Courtesy of Luke Bryan

Luke Bryan Brings the Party to Country Radio With ‘Country and She Knows It’

Posted on March 27, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“As I gear up for touring season and summer I really wanted to focus on releasing a song that felt fun and energetic and the moment the writers sent this one I knew it was it,” he says.

Read More ›

Brantley Gilbert; Photo by Alexa Campbell

Brantley Gilbert Turns Real-Life Love Story Into Tension-Filled Single ‘GOOD DAMN’

Posted on March 27, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“This song hits close to home for me,” shares Gilbert.

Read More ›

Ashley McBryde; Photo by Nathan Chapman

Everything We Know About Ashley McBryde’s Upcoming Album, ‘Wild’

Posted on March 26, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“We brought an entirely new approach to the studio every day,” McBryde shared of the album-making process.

Read More ›

Ella Langley; Photo Courtesy of Youtube

Ella Langley Drops Stripped-Down Rendition Of ‘Loving Life Again’ With ‘Back Home Sessions’

Posted on March 26, 2026

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“Loving Life Again” marks the last single to be unveiled before her Dandelion album drops on April 10.

Read More ›