[6] Merlo credits seeing Shania Twain at the first concert she ever attended to be the reason she pursued the genre of country music.

Seeing a successful Canadian woman from a small town gave Merlo the confidence to pursue her career.

[7] At the age of 17 before she was signed, Merlo wrote songs and recorded music with BC-based writer and producer Dan Swinimer.

In 2012, Swinimer invited RGK Entertainment's Ron Kitchener to Vancouver to see Merlo perform at the Railway Club.

[10] Her single "Honey Jack" became a hit in Canada, landing her the opening slot on The Road Trip Tour alongside Dean Brody and Paul Brandt.

After those big wins, Madeline released a series of singles including "War Paint", "Over and Over", and "Whatcha Wanna Do About It" which entered into the top 10 at Canadian Country Radio.

On April 13, 2020, Madeline won the first episode of the second season of Songland with her song "Champagne Night" written for Lady Antebellum and produced by Shane McAnally.

[17] The song was included on her extended play One House Down (from the Girl Next Door), which was released on October 11, 2024, via BBR's Stoney Creek Records.

On April 22, 2023, at the Long Hollow Gardens in Gallatin, Tennessee, Merlo married Nashville attorney Chase Fann.