Linkin Park’s first award show performance at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards since Chester Bennington’s death earned fans’ praise.
Last month, the band released their new album ‘From Zero,’ the first with Emily Armstrong leading. The album includes songs like ‘Overflow’ and ‘The Emptiness Machine.’ During their BBMA performance, Linkin Park gave a powerful show. Fans shared their thoughts online about the new lineup. One person said, “Mike Shinoda, blessing the world with his genius for 30 years. Thank you, sir.”
Another fan shared, “Feel like a teenager again thank you, Linkin Park!!!!!” And one other individual added, “Ooofffff Emily’s vocals are so melodic on this. It’s insane how she can be so melodic and scream like crazy as well. Emily is my new obsession for sure.”
Mike Shinoda announced in early September that the band would continue without Bennington. “This is a very special day for us,” Shinoda told fans during a livestream. “In the role of Chester Bennington, this afternoon is each of you.”
After Bennington’s death in 2017, replacing him was criticized by his son Jaime and some fans. The criticism partly came from Armstrong’s connection to the Church of Scientology and her friendship with Danny Masterson, who was convicted of raping two women.
Days after the band announced Armstrong’s addition, Jaime posted on Instagram, accusing Shinoda of erasing his father’s legacy and hiring his ‘friend of many years’ despite knowing her connection to the Church of Scientology and her support for Masterson.
Two days before Jaime’s comment, Armstrong posted a statement on social media saying she regretted supporting Masterson. She wrote, “Several years ago, I was asked to support someone I considered a friend at a court appearance and went to one early hearing as an observer. Soon after, I realized that I shouldn’t have. I always try to see good in people, and I misjudged him. I have never spoken with him since. Unimaginable details emerged and he was later found guilty.”
The Billboard Music Awards also featured performances by Coldplay, Fuerza Regida, Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Teddy Swims, Tyla, Seventeen, Shaboozey, and Stray Kids. Linkin Park was nominated for five awards and won Top Rock Duo/Group and Top Hard Rock Artist.
