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.

Clay Walker and Son; Photos via Instagram

WATCH: Clay Walker’s 12-Year-Old Son Steals the Show With Surprise Performance for 30,000 Fans

Posted on June 27, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

“So proud of this young man,” Walker shared.

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Parker McCollum; Photo by Chris Kleinmeier

Parker McCollum Scraps the Rulebook and Finds His True Sound on New Self-Titled Album

Posted on June 27, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I’ve never made a record that I love as much as this one,” the Texas native admits.

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Riley Green, Ella Langley; Photo Provided

WATCH: Ella Langley Brings 7-Year-Old Superfan On Stage With Riley Green For Unforgettable Birthday Surprise

Posted on June 27, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

This was a “dream come true” moment for the young girl.

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Travis Tritt, Jason Aldean; Photo Courtesy CMA

Jason Aldean Teams Up With His Musical Hero Travis Tritt For Iconic CMA Fest Surprise

Posted on June 26, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

The artists celebrated 25 years of Tritt’s hit “It’s A Great Day To Be Alive.”

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Kelsea Ballerini; Photo Courtesy CMA

Kelsea Ballerini Shines on CMA Fest Stage With Electrifying ‘Baggage’ Performance

Posted on June 26, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

Ballerini’s performance prompted a massive sing along!

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Dierks Bentley, Zach Top; Photo Courtesy CMA

Dierks Bentley and Zach Top Unite for Nostalgia-Filled Country Medley at CMA Fest

Posted on June 26, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

“That’s the future of country music, right there, Zach Top,” Bentley praised.

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Megan Moroney; Photo Courtesy CMA

Megan Moroney Dazzles CMA Fest 2025 With ‘Am I Okay?’

Posted on June 26, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

“I’m so excited to be back at Nissan,” Moroney shared ahead of her performance.

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Parker McCollum; Photo Courtesy CMA

Parker McCollum Delivers Powerful ‘What Kinda Man’ Performance At CMA Fest

Posted on June 26, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

This fan-favorite track was inspired by the Texas native’s real life.

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Brooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy CMA

Lainey Wilson Joins Brooks & Dunn For Unforgettable CMA Fest Duet On ‘Play Something Country’

Posted on June 26, 2025

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Madeleine O’Connell

“It’s cool to be able to get on stage with those legends,” Wilson shares.

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Luke Bryan; Photo Via Instagram

Luke Bryan Cancels More Shows Due To Illness, Eric Church Steps In To Headline Three Festivals

Posted on June 25, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“I’m really sorry to say I won’t be able to play this weekend’s shows,” Bryan wrote to fans.

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