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.

Photo Courtesy of Clint Black

Clint Black To Be Honored With New Exhibit At The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Posted on March 11, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

‘Clint Black: The Hard Way On Purpose’ will be open to the public from April 22, 2026 through August 2027.

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Jelly Roll prepares for Opry Induction

Jelly Roll Reveals The Special Piece Of Johnny Cash He’s Wearing For Opry Induction

Posted on March 10, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Jelly Roll shows off a stunning gold cross necklace gifted to him by Johnny Cash’s son, John Carter Cash.

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Photos Courtesy of Ashley McBryde, Miranda Lambert

Ashley McBryde Gets Real About Competitiveness in Country Music And Miranda Lambert’s Mentorship

Posted on March 10, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“We know only one of these girls is getting the stool at the bar and that’s when it starts to get gross and catty,” says Mcbryde.

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Photos Courtesy of Russell Dickerson, Thomas Rhett

Before Thomas Rhett Welcomed His First Son, Russell Dickerson Sent Him A Heartfelt Message

Posted on March 10, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

Dickerson revealed the thoughtful way he cheered on Rhett ahead of this major life moment.

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Michael Garner; Disney/Eric McCandless

16-Year-Old Michael Garner Performs Cody Johnson’s “’Til You Can’t” As ‘American Idol’ Journey Comes To An End

Posted on March 9, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“Maybe it wasn’t his best performance.”

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Lucas Leon; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

Lucas Leon Delivers Goosebump-Inducing Performance of Miranda Lambert Cover on ‘American Idol’

Posted on March 9, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“This one goes out to my family,” Leon told the audience.

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Hannah Harper; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

‘American Idol’ Standout Hannah Harper Delivers Emotional Tribute to Late Grandfather With Vince Gill Classic

Posted on March 9, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

The hopeful contestant noted that “Go Rest High On That Mountain” was her grandfather’s favorite song.

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Kutter Bradley; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

Kutter Bradley Honors His Parents with Jason Aldean’s ‘Amarillo Sky’ on ‘American Idol’

Posted on March 9, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

“The reason I picked that song is because it’s a song about hard work,” said Bradley.

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Ashley McBryde; photo Provided

Ashley McBryde Gets Emotional Opening Up About Her Journey To Sobriety: ‘I Was Going To Die’

Posted on March 6, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

McBryde held nothing back in a new conversation with Bobby Bones.

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Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert; Photo via Facebook

Ella Langley Reveals How Miranda Lambert’s Pet Kangaroo Sparked The Idea For ‘Choosin’ Texas’

Posted on March 6, 2026

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Madeleine O’Connell

The iconic line, “She’s from Texas, I can tell,” has an interesting story behind it.

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