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.
Posted on October 28, 2025
| By
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 Ben Gallaher.
Read More ›
Posted on October 28, 2025
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
Aubrey Nicole delivered a tear-jerking performance of Martina McBride’s “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.”
Read More ›
Posted on October 27, 2025
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“When your sister hears ‘There Was This Girl’ and decides she IS the girl.”
Read More ›
Posted on October 27, 2025
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“It is black on the brown interior a very, very classy specification that screams Texas…”
Read More ›
Posted on October 27, 2025
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
Grab the tissues!
Read More ›
Posted on October 24, 2025
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“The world is hard on beautiful things…”
Read More ›
Posted on October 24, 2025
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“That title, when I think about it, I think about my fans. I think about my label, BMG, I think about all of these things that have happened to me this year that have given me another chance to live my dream every moment.”
Read More ›
Posted on October 24, 2025
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“I can’t think of a better way to start the year.”
Read More ›
Posted on October 24, 2025
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“It took us three years to find time to get together… but here we are three years later putting it out.”
Read More ›
Posted on October 23, 2025
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
When asked about wearing a ball gown, Lainey Wilson instead conjured up a hot pink rhinestone pantsuit and quipped, “There’s some bell in them bottoms!”
Read More ›