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.
Maren Morris Pushes Back on Viral Misquote About ‘Leaving Country Music’
Posted on May 13, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“I was never talking about country music. I was talking really about the machine of the music industry…,” Morris clarifies.
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CMA Reveals Star-Studded 2026 Fan Fair X Lineup, Adds New Experiences
Posted on May 13, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
Artists like Clint Black, Russell Dickerson, John Morgan, and many more will make appearances throughout the four-day event.
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Country Thunder Florida Delivers a Standout Waterfront Debut Weekend in Clearwater
Posted on May 12, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
The weekend featured a star-studded list of performers including headliners Gavin Adcock, Zach Top and Kane Brown.
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Kenny Chesney Makes Country Radio History With New Single, ‘Carry On’
Posted on May 12, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“Based on the response from radio, I’m not the only one looking to be empowered, inspired, lifted up…,” says Chesney.
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Hannah Harper Wins ‘American Idol,’ Relive Her Unforgettable Journey
Posted on May 11, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
From the audition room to the Season 24 finale, Hannah Harper made a lasting impact on the singing competition show.
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Country Next: Ashley Anne
Posted on May 8, 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 Ashley Anne.
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Jana Kramer Teams Up with EBY to Launch ‘Wild & Free’ Collection Inspired by Comfort and Freedom
Posted on May 7, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“…you don’t have to earn comfort by tolerating pain. That goes for relationships and it goes for your bra,” said Kramer.
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Morgan Wallen Quietly Covers Funeral Expenses for 8-Year-Old Fan He Met Backstage Before Tragic Loss
Posted on May 7, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
“We just can’t be more grateful to Morgan Wallen…” shared the family.
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‘American Idol’ Finalist Hannah Harper Shocked as Jo Dee Messina Unexpectedly Crashes Hometown Show
Posted on May 7, 2026
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Madeleine O’Connell
What started as a performance of Jo Dee Messina’s “Heads Carolina, Tails California” quickly turned into a full-circle moment.
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Everything We Know About Koe Wetzel’s Upcoming Album, ‘The Night Champion’
Posted on May 6, 2026
| By
Madeleine O’Connell
“I survived the night side of me. I’m coming out of it a champion. That’s the essence of the record,” said Wetzel.
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