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.

Megan Moroney; Photo Courtesy CMA

Megan Moroney Dazzles CMA Fest 2025 With ‘Am I Okay?’

Posted on June 26, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I’m so excited to be back at Nissan,” Moroney shared ahead of her performance.

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Parker McCollum; Photo Courtesy CMA

Parker McCollum Delivers Powerful ‘What Kinda Man’ Performance At CMA Fest

Posted on June 26, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

This fan-favorite track was inspired by the Texas native’s real life.

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Brooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy CMA

Lainey Wilson Joins Brooks & Dunn For Unforgettable CMA Fest Duet On ‘Play Something Country’

Posted on June 26, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

“It’s cool to be able to get on stage with those legends,” Wilson shares.

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Luke Bryan; Photo Via Instagram

Luke Bryan Cancels More Shows Due To Illness, Eric Church Steps In To Headline Three Festivals

Posted on June 25, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I’m really sorry to say I won’t be able to play this weekend’s shows,” Bryan wrote to fans.

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Luke Bryan - Crash My Playa; Photo by Alive Coverage

Luke Bryan’s Crash My Playa Confirmed To Return To Mexico In 2026

Posted on June 24, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

Fans are being advised to “stay tuned” for more information regarding next year’s event.

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Baylee Littrell ; Photo by Leighanne Littrell

Baylee Littrell Begins a Bold New Chapter With Raw, Faith-Filled Single, ‘Hey Jesus’ [Exclusive]

Posted on June 24, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

“It’s really impactful…It’s unexpected and it’s a different route than what I’ve tried before, so I’m very, very excited for it.”

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Tim McGraw performs at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on his Standing Room Only Tour; Photo by Tyler Conrad

Tim McGraw Forced to Pull Out of Colorado Show Amid Ongoing Back Surgery Recovery

Posted on June 24, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

Cross Canadian Ragweed will step in to perform in place of Tim McGraw at the event.

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Photos Courtesy Josh Ross, TikTok

Josh Ross Sparks Controversy With Pro-USA Comments, Drawing Outrage From Canadian Fans

Posted on June 24, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

Ross took to social media to address the viral on stage moment.

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Photo Courtesy Sammy Kershaw

Sammy Kershaw Detained at Airport After TSA Discovers Loaded Firearm in Carry-On, Fined $5,000

Posted on June 23, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

“It was early, I was half-awake and clearly not thinking straight…”

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Jacob Hackworth; Photo Provided

Country Next: Jacob Hackworth

Posted on June 23, 2025

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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 Jacob Hackworth.

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