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.
Bella Emry Earns Standing Ovation with Powerful Performance of Brandi Carlile’s ‘The Joke’ on ‘American Idol’
Posted on March 2, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“Everyone’s fighting for their lives in here. It’s chaos,” Bella noted.
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Genevieve Heyward Brings Star Power to ‘American Idol’ Stage With Brandi Carlile Cover – And Learns Her Fate
Posted on March 2, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“For this performance, they’re going to see me bring a little more of whatever they were looking for…”
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Kutter Bradley Advances to Top 30 on ‘American Idol’ After Show-Stopping HARDY Cover
Posted on March 2, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
Bradley’s Hollywood Week performance drew praise from the judges, including Carrie Underwood, who compared him to a lion waiting to break out of a cage.
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Meghan Patrick’s Golden Child Tour Proves Her Fans Are Her Greatest Win
Posted on March 2, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Meghan reflected on her journey, her fans and the legacy she hopes to leave behind before taking the stage.
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Dylan Marlowe and Wife Natalie Celebrate Arrival of Twin Boys, Case and Huck
Posted on March 2, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
The couple excitedly announced their “double blessing” has finally arrived into the world.
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Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins Celebrate Arrival of First Son, Brave
Posted on February 27, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“Our hearts are just in a big ole puddle with this precious baby BOY.”
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Harper Grace Talks Faking Her Engagement and the Hard Choice Behind ‘If Daddy Says No’
Posted on February 27, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“I think some people are probably going to think I’m crazy for faking my own engagement…”
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Kenny Whitmire Revives Timeless Country Storytelling With ‘I Gave Her The Moon’
Posted on February 26, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“I’m so thankful for this song and what it’s done for me,” Whitmire reflects.
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Koe Wetzel Ushers in a New Era With Album Tease and Night Champion World Tour Announcement
Posted on February 26, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“Coming into 2026 and this tour, I feel like I’m the best version of myself I’ve ever been.”
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Luke Combs Offers Bobby Bones Honest Parenting Advice
Posted on February 26, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“You’re never ready. You’re not going to be ready,” Combs told Bones, who is preparing to become a father himself.
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