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.
Country Next: Highway Home
Posted on October 2, 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 Highway Home.
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Breaking Down HARDY’s Eight-Minute Musical Journey, ‘Man In The Box’
Posted on October 2, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“It’s by far, I think, the bravest or at least the most creative thing that I’ve done so far,” HARDY admitted.
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Luke Bryan Recalls Recent Conversation With Lionel Richie Amid Health Concerns: ‘He’s Doing Well’
Posted on October 1, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“He needs to slow down a little bit,” Bryan said of his fellow Idol Judge.
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Ashley McBryde Refused to Change Who She Was Early in Her Career When Nashville Executives Told Her to Go Blonde and Stop Getting Tattoos
Posted on October 1, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
In an interview with Rolling Stone, McBryde recalled the early career advice she received from music executives who encouraged her to change her hair, tattoos and style to fit the country music mold.
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Josh Ross Is Still Chasing the Feeling of Having Something to Prove
Posted on October 1, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“I still have a lot of growing to do…,” Ross admits.
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Dolly Parton’s ‘Cup of Ambition’ Coffee Line Makes Nationwide Debut With Commercial Filmed Before Her Passing
Posted on September 29, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“I thought the cup of ambition would be a fantastic name for a coffee brand,” Dolly shared.
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Drew Baldridge Discovers Hilarious Mix-Up With His ‘FARM FAITH FAMILY’ CDs and Brantley Gilbert’s Music
Posted on September 29, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“I bet this never happened to another country artist,” Bladridge stated.
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Riley Green Says ‘The Voice’ Contestant Everett Bounds Could Be a Future ‘Household Name’ After Blind Audition
Posted on September 29, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“He’s one of those guys that you give him the right song, I can see him being a household name,” said Green.
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Kelly Clarkson and Riley Green Go Head-to-Head for ‘The Voice’ Contestant Anna McElroy
Posted on September 29, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
Kelly Clarkson ultimately pulled off a major win over Riley Green, convincing Alabama native Anna McElroy to join her team.
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Chase Matthew Found Jason Aldean a ’68 Pontiac on Facebook Marketplace as the Perfect End-of-Tour Gift
Posted on September 28, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“I knew I had to get him an end of tour gift that represented how much it meant to me,” Matthew explained.
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