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.
Carly Pearce Reveals How She Overcame Accident That Nearly Ruined Her 2020 CMA Awards Appearance
Posted on February 10, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“By the grace of God…my face looked pretty normal to be able to go to the show, at least from far away,” Pearce recalled.
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Carrie Underwood Compares 16-Year-Old Kiera Howell to Gabby Barrett During ‘American Idol’ Audition
Posted on February 9, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“You sometimes kind of have this grittiness in your voice…I could hear you singing country,” Underwood told the contestant.
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Christian Brown Brings Country Music Family Legacy to ‘American Idol’ as Son of Kentucky Music Hall of Famer
Posted on February 9, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Brown choose to sing a song his dad wrote, making for a heartfelt father-son moment.
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‘Singing Waitress’ Livy Spino Wows Judges with Carrie Underwood Cover During ‘American Idol’ Audition
Posted on February 9, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Does this Texas Roadhouse server have what it takes to be the next American Idol?
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Ella Langley Makes Chart History as ‘Choosin’ Texas’ Tops Billboard Hot 100
Posted on February 9, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
This feat makes Langley the first female in country music history to simultaneously lead three Billboard charts.
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Luke Bryan Talks Embracing His Life And Career On His Own Terms
Posted on February 9, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Even as he balances life in the spotlight, Luke Bryan credits his family for keeping him centered.
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Blake Shelton Opens Up About His Signature Mullet Era, And The Criticism That Brought It To An End
Posted on February 6, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“It was like that phase had already ran out and then no one told me,” Shelton told Bobby Bones.
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Megan Moroney Unveils Blissful ‘Cloud 9’ Title Track
Posted on February 6, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
The new song arrives ahead of Moroney’s album release and international headlining tour.
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Ashland Craft and Chase Rice Team Up for Emotional Reworking of ‘Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To’
Posted on February 6, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“Between the stories, the shared Carolina roots, and his honest approach to songwriting, he brought a depth that made this version feel both familiar and brand new,” Craft shared of Rice.
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Parker McCollum, Ty Myers Among First Performers Announced for Backstage Access Presents’ Inaugural Napa Event
Posted on February 5, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
More performers will be announced in the coming months.
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