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.

Ben Gallaher; Photo by Jessica Crans

Country Next: Ben Gallaher

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 ›

Reba McEntire; Photo via YouTube

Reba McEntire Brought to Tears on ‘The Voice’ After Emotional Performance Reminds Her of ‘Oldest Son’ Brandon Blackstock

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 ›

Riley Green on Stage; Photo via Annie Bosko Instagram

WATCH: Riley Green Fan – Sister of Singer Annie Bosko – Crashes Stage, Escorted Off by Security

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 ›

Parker McCollum Challenger Hellcat; Photos via TikTok

Parker McCollum’s ‘What Kinda Man’ Hellcat Challenger Hits the Market for $98,900

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 ›

Photos Courtesy of TikTok, Luke Combs

Luke Combs’ ‘Huntin’ By Yourself’ Inspires Real Father-Son Moment On TikTok

Posted on October 27, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Grab the tissues!

Read More ›

Megan Moroney; Photo by Cece Dawson

LISTEN: Megan Moroney’s ‘Beautiful Things’ Offers Comfort, Strength, And A Powerful Message Of Self-Worth

Posted on October 24, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“The world is hard on beautiful things…”

Read More ›

Alexandra Kay; Photo by Alysse Gafkjen

Alexandra Kay On Healing, Finding Love Again, And Her Powerful New Album ‘Second Wind’ [Exclusive]

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 ›

Vincent Mason; Photo by David Higgs

Vincent Mason Announces 2026 Headlining Tour, Drops Final Track Ahead Of Debut Album

Posted on October 24, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“I can’t think of a better way to start the year.”

Read More ›

Billy Currington; Photo Provided

Billy Currington Talks Growth, Nostalgia, And His New Album, ‘King Of The World’

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 ›

ABC's "The 59th Annual CMA Awards" stars Lainey Wilson as host.; Photo by Disney/Robby Klein

Lainey Wilson Gives Fans A Hilarious Sneak Peek At CMA Awards Hosting Gig

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 ›