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 Bailey Zimmerman

Bailey Zimmerman Reflects on a Year of Growth, Resilience, and Fan Support Ahead of 2026 Tour

Posted on January 23, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I really do appreciate yall giving me another chance…” Zimmerman told his fans.

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Parker McCollum; Photo Courtesy of Facebook

LISTEN: Parker McCollum Emphasizes Love Over Luxury in New Song ‘Big Ole Fancy House’

Posted on January 23, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

McCollum reveals it took him three tries to finally get this recording right.

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Carly Pearce; Photo Luke Rogers

Carly Pearce Opens Up About Faith, Judgment, and Healing Behind New Song ‘Church Girl’ [Exclusive]

Posted on January 23, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“…I think this song is just about that acceptance of people no matter where they’re at.”

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Jon Pardi; Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Jon Pardi’s ‘Boots Off’ Was Inspired by a Real-Life Post-Show Moment With His Wife Summer

Posted on January 22, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“Boots Off” marks Pardi’s third boots-inspired song in his catalog.

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Blake Shelton; Photo by Jamie Wendt

Blake Shelton Says the Perks of His Las Vegas Residency Have Him Feeling Like Elvis

Posted on January 22, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

The three-week run has officially kicked off and will continue through January 31.

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Ashton Kutcher in 'The Beauty' Photo Courtesy FX

‘The Beauty’ Star Ashton Kutcher Reveals Plans To Write His Own Country Album: ‘I’m Obsessed With Getting That Done’

Posted on January 21, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Kutcher is no stranger to the country music genre.

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Photo Courtesy of Luke Combs

Luke Combs Steps In With Powerful Act of Kindness For Grieving Family After Fan’s Viral Plea

Posted on January 21, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Luke Combs promises to make an upcoming show a moment of healing for a family following an unexpected tragedy.

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Tyce Delk; Photo by Emma Kate Golden

Country Next: Tyce Delk

Posted on January 21, 2026

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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 Tyce Delk.

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Lainey Wilson, Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, Reba McEntire; Photos Courtesy of YouTube

Dolly Parton Marks 80th Birthday by Reimagining 50-Year-Old Hit With All-Star Female Lineup

Posted on January 16, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Joining Parton on the new recording is Lainey Wilson, her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire.

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Megan Moroney, Dylan Efron; Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Megan Moroney Drops Fierce New Track, ‘Wish I Didn’t,’ And Cinematic Video Co-Starring Dylan Efron

Posted on January 16, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

The track marks another look into Moroney’s full-length ‘Cloud 9’ album.

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