Mike Shinoda revealed details about Linkin Park’s vocalist search during a recent Discord chat with fans. A fan shared this information on X (formerly Twitter).
“We had sessions with Teddy [Swims], yes! We had already met Emily and were also doing sessions with her,” Shinoda said. “But I don’t think those were the songs Teddy sang on. He definitely sang on ‘Over Each Other.'”
Linkin Park faced a significant challenge in selecting a new lead vocalist after the tragic passing of Chester Bennington in 2017. In September 2024, they announced Emily Armstrong, co-founder of the rock band Dead Sara, as their new lead singer.
Shinoda explained that the decision to choose Armstrong was not a calculated strategy. Instead of seeking a male vocalist similar to Bennington, they were drawn to Armstrong’s exceptional vocal abilities, engaging personality, and her capacity for meaningful conversations. These qualities convinced the band that she was the right fit.
Armstrong’s debut with Linkin Park was marked by the release of the single ‘The Emptiness Machine’ in September 2024, followed by the album ‘From Zero’ in November 2024. The band embarked on the ‘From Zero World Tour’ in 2025.
Vulture reports that while the transition faced scrutiny, including concerns about Armstrong’s past associations, the band aimed to honor Bennington’s legacy while evolving their sound.
Overall, Linkin Park’s choice of Emily Armstrong signifies a bold step forward, blending respect for their past with a renewed creative direction.
