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.

Kelly Clarkson; Photos via TikTok

Kelly Clarkson Honors Dolly Parton’s Personal Song Request With Breathtaking ‘I Will Always Love You’ Cover In Las Vegas

Posted on July 14, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“…when Dolly Parton asks you to sing something, you just shut your mouth and do it. “

Read More ›

Thomas Rhett; Photo via TikTok

87-Year-Old Fan Plants A Kiss On Thomas Rhett During Her First-Ever Country Concert

Posted on July 14, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

It’s safe to say the country star made her night memorable.

Read More ›

Dierks Bentley, Zach Top; Photo via Instagram

Dierks Bentley and Zach Top Put a Country Spin On TikTok’s ‘Bugatti’ Trend With Alan Jackson’s ‘Drive (For Daddy Gene)’

Posted on July 14, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

We are loving this trend!

Read More ›

George Strait; Photo by Jill Trunnell

George Strait Rallies Country Stars For Texas Flood Relief Benefit Dinner And Concert, ‘Strait To The Heart’

Posted on July 11, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“The destruction and loss in our community from the recent flood is hard to wrap your head around,” Strait admits.

Read More ›

Alyssa Flaherty; Photo by Lily Nelson

Country Next: Alyssa Flaherty

Posted on July 11, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

We are proud to showcase country music’s brightest new stars through our Country Next series. In this installment, we talk to Alyssa Flaherty.

Read More ›

Priscilla Block; Photo By Britton Webb

Priscilla Block Reimagines 1970 Simon & Garfunkel Hit On ‘You’re Breaking My Heart (Cecilia)’

Posted on July 11, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

Block channels the bold storytelling of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” throughout the song.

Read More ›

Miranda Lambert; Photo Courtesy of Boot Barn, Chris Stapleton Photo by Becky Fluke

Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton Deliver Timeless Duet With ‘A Song To Sing’

Posted on July 11, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The song is heading to country radio on July 14.

Read More ›

Ashley Cooke; Photo by Jessica Hood

Ashley Cooke Unleashes A Storm Of Emotion In Fiery Breakup Anthem, ‘The Hell You Are’

Posted on July 11, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“This song is that moment of clarity when you finally put your foot down on what you deserve…”

Read More ›

Tucker Wetmore; Photo by Chase Foster

Tucker Wetmore Previews A Soulful New Sound With Unreleased Track, ‘Sun Don’t Shine’

Posted on July 9, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

The fast-rising star admitted the song was “a little different” for him.

Read More ›

Chris Young; Photo Courtesy of Black River

Chris Young Doubles Down On New Era With New Song And Album Announcement

Posted on July 9, 2025

| By

Madeleine O’Connell

“I Didn’t Come Here To Leave” arrives on October 17.

Read More ›