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.

Sara Evans, Dan Seals; Photos Provided

Sara Evans Honors the Late Dan Seals With a Reimagined Duet of ‘Nights Are Forever (Without You)’

Posted on January 16, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

This recording makes the latest look into ‘The Last Duet,’ a full-length album celebrating Seals’ esteemed career through fresh collaborations.

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Chase Matthew; Photo by Angelea Yoder

Chase Matthew Shares the Small-Town Pride Behind ‘Holdin’ It Down,’ Teases New Album

Posted on January 16, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“…this is exactly what I want my next album to sound like,” Matthew shared.

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ERNEST; Photo Courtesy of Facebook

ERNEST Opens Up About Taking His Music Full Circle With Forthcoming Album, ‘Deep Blue’

Posted on January 15, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

The project is slated to be his “shortest” and “most cohesive” album yet.

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Brad Paisley, Kimberly Williams-Paisley; Photo Courtesy of The Store, Jason Davis for NSAI

Taylor Swift Surprises Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley With Generous Donation For The Store

Posted on January 15, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I’m so grateful to Taylor Swift. This was a gift that came out of the blue,” shared Kimberly.

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Photo Back Row L-R: BMI’s Clay Bradley, ASCAP’s Duane Hobson, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Riser House’s Brandon Perdue, Concord’s Matt Turner, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville’s JoJamie Hahr; Front Row L-R: Dallas Wilson (BMI), Lainey Wilson (BMI), Trannie Anderson (BMI), Andy Albert (ASCAP); Photo Credit Larry McCormack for BMI

Lainey Wilson Celebrates Ninth No. 1 Hit, Teases New Music in 2026: ‘Feeling More Creative Than Ever’

Posted on January 15, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

After a whirlwind year, Wilson is already setting her sights on fresh goals and exciting new ventures.

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Parker McCollum, Hallie Ray Light; Photo Courtesy of Facebook

Parker McCollum Talks Baby Names, Reflects on Feeling ‘Blessed’ in His Next Chapter

Posted on January 14, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I’m like, ‘Are we really about to do this again?’ And we absolutely are,” said McCollum.

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Hardy, Caleigh and Rosie with Milk Fund TN; Photo Provided

Hardy and Wife Caleigh Donate $45,000 to Mothers’ Milk Bank’s Rosie Fund in Honor of Their Daughter

Posted on January 14, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

After being donor milk recipient of their own, the couple felt inspired to give back to the important cause.

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Naomi Johnson and husband Martin Johnson

Naomi Johnson Celebrates the Arrival of Second Child, a Baby Girl

Posted on January 14, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“And just like that the Johnson 3 turned to the Johnson 4.”

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Bad Paisley, Kimberly WIlliams-Paisley

Brad Paisley Opens Up About the Heartbreak That Led Him to Meeting His Wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley

Posted on January 14, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

What started as a poetic music video moment quickly became a real-life love story.

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Kane Brown, Parker McCollum, Riley Green; Photos Provided

Kane Brown, Parker McCollum, Riley Green & More Join iHeartCountry Festival 2026 Lineup

Posted on January 13, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

The star-studded event will take place in Austin, Texas on May 2.

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