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.
Lucas Leon Channels Musical Hero Brad Paisley With Show-Stopping Tim McGraw Cover on ‘American Idol’
Posted on March 23, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
Strumming his guitar and leaning into every heartfelt lyric, Leon proved that age is no match for his talent.
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Dustin Lynch, Cole Goodwin, & More Shine at Country Now Live Benefiting St. Jude
Posted on March 23, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“Thank you, St. Jude for doing all that you do…It’s changed so many lives and I think we’ve all been touched by what they’re trying to cure and they’re doing a great job of it,” Lynch shared.
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CRS 2026 New Faces Show Delivers Breakout Moments From Ella Langley, Chase Matthew & More
Posted on March 23, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
These artists are not just the next wave of the genre, they’re the ones who will continue to define the sound for years to come.
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Ella Langley Marks Career Milestones With ‘Weren’t For The Wind’ and ‘Choosin’ Texas’ No. 1 Celebration
Posted on March 23, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Langley celebrated the milestones alongside her co-writers, members of the industry and media.
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Country Next: Madden Metcalf
Posted on March 20, 2026
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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 Madden Metcalf.
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Ella Langley Shares Turning Point Behind ‘Loving Life Again’ – ‘I Looked at Myself in the Mirror and I Didn’t Recognize the Person That I Saw’
Posted on March 19, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“This song means so much to me…”
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Country Next: Atlus
Posted on March 19, 2026
| 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 Atlus.
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Luke Combs Explains His Commitment to Making Concert Tickets Affordable
Posted on March 17, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Combs is maintaining a fan-first approach even while playing sold-out stadiums around the world.
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Hannah Harper Steps Outside Comfort Zone, Wins Over ‘American Idol’ Judges With Show-Stopping Performance
Posted on March 16, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“Great song choice. Your voice gave me chills the entire time,” Carrie Underwood complimented.
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Kutter Bradley Honors His Dad With Rock-Fueled Daughtry Cover on ‘American Idol’
Posted on March 16, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“You’re like our country kind of rock guy, and I feel like that song just fit perfectly,” Carrie Underwood told him.
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