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.

Drew Barrymore, Megan Moroney; Photo courtesy of The Drew Barrymore Show.

Megan Moroney Tells Drew Barrymore She Nearly Quit Music Before Her Breakthrough

Posted on March 12, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I’m like, ‘This sucks. Maybe I should just move home,'” Moroney recalled.

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Photo Courtesy of Bunnie XO

Bunnie XO’s Candid Memoir Is Heading To The Big screen

Posted on March 12, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“Seeing it now move from the pages to the big screen is something I never could have imagined,” said Bunnie.

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Lakelin Lemmings; Photo by Noah Johnson

Country Next: Lakelin Lemmings

Posted on March 12, 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 Lakelin Lemmings.

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Kane Brown and Family; Photos Courtesy of Kane and Katelyn Brown

Kane Brown Talks Life With Three Kids and His ‘Soft Spot’ for Son Krewe

Posted on March 12, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I see myself in him,” Brown admits.

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Photos Courtesy of Christian Brown

Christian Brown’s Journey on ‘American Idol’ Ends Amid Newborn’s ‘Life-Saving’ Surgery

Posted on March 11, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“If I had a record deal sitting in front of my face and my son in the other hand, I’d choose my son any time over anything…”

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Photo Courtesy of Clint Black

Clint Black To Be Honored With New Exhibit At The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Posted on March 11, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

‘Clint Black: The Hard Way On Purpose’ will be open to the public from April 22, 2026 through August 2027.

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Jelly Roll prepares for Opry Induction

Jelly Roll Reveals The Special Piece Of Johnny Cash He’s Wearing For Opry Induction

Posted on March 10, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Jelly Roll shows off a stunning gold cross necklace gifted to him by Johnny Cash’s son, John Carter Cash.

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Photos Courtesy of Ashley McBryde, Miranda Lambert

Ashley McBryde Gets Real About Competitiveness in Country Music And Miranda Lambert’s Mentorship

Posted on March 10, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“We know only one of these girls is getting the stool at the bar and that’s when it starts to get gross and catty,” says Mcbryde.

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Photos Courtesy of Russell Dickerson, Thomas Rhett

Before Thomas Rhett Welcomed His First Son, Russell Dickerson Sent Him A Heartfelt Message

Posted on March 10, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Dickerson revealed the thoughtful way he cheered on Rhett ahead of this major life moment.

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Michael Garner; Disney/Eric McCandless

16-Year-Old Michael Garner Performs Cody Johnson’s “’Til You Can’t” As ‘American Idol’ Journey Comes To An End

Posted on March 9, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“Maybe it wasn’t his best performance.”

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