Who Is Linkin Park's New Lead Singer? What to Know About Emily Armstrong

Linkin Park debuted the band's new lead singer, Emily Armstrong, in a livestream on Sept. 5, 2024, making her the first person to front the band since the death of original lead Chester Bennington, who died by suicide in 2017. The band also announced plans for its eighth studio album, From Zero, at the time, which later arrived Nov. 15.

Honoring her predecessor, Armstrong once told radio DJ Zane Lowe that she would "love to do [Bennington] proud."

Here is everything to know about Linkin Park's new singer, Emily Armstrong.

Who is Linkin Park's new lead singer?

Emily Armstrong, previously of the band Dead Sara, is the new lead singer of Linkin Park.

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Who replaced Chester Bennington in Linkin Park?

Emily Armstrong replaced Bennington as the lead singer of Linkin Park seven years after the original frontman's death by suicide.

Speaking alongside founding band member Mike Shinoda to Alt 98.7, Armstrong admitted to doubting herself when she first joined the band.

"Because it's fear, you know? It's such a big change that there was a moment where I was just like, 'Oh my God, oh my God,'" she said.

"...There was a moment where I was just panicking a little bit, just being like, 'Oh my God, oh my God. How do people see me?'" she continued. "...There's gonna be more eyes on me. And it just kind of happened."

The band kicked off its "From Zero World Tour" on Sept. 11, 2024 and will continue to perform internationally until Nov. 15, 2025.

They are set to perform together for the first time at an awards show on Dec. 12, 2024, at the Billboard Music Awards.

What was Emily Armstrong doing before Linkin Park?

Armstrong was in a rock band called Dead Sara, which consisted of Armstrong, guitarist Siouxsie Medley, bassist Chris Null and drummer Sean Friday. They released three albums:

• Dead Sara (2012)

• Pleasure to Meet You (2015)

• Ain't It Tragic (2021)

Is Emily Armstrong related to Billie Joe?

No. Despite sharing the last name, Armstrong is not related to Green Day's frontman.

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What happened to Linkin Park's lead singer?

Bennington died by suicide in his home in Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., in July 2017.

In 2018, Bennington's wife and widow, Talinda Bennington, told CNN she understood that there were signs he was distressed before he died. "I am now more educated about those signs, but they were definitely there: the hopelessness, the change of behavior, isolation," she explained.

But she also added that Bennington had battled depression for a long time, so some of the patterns of behavior were always present. In fact, Talinda added that her late husband was "at his best" in the days before he died.

Why is Chester not in Linkin Park anymore?

Chester Bennington died by suicide in 2017. At the time, Linkin Park was planning to go on their "One More Light Tour," which was subsequently cancelled.

If you feel like your friend or loved one needs help please call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 for immediate help and to speak with someone who knows exactly what’s going on. They are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Plus, they have online chats available and all information is confidential. You can also text “HELLO” to 741741 to be connected with the Crisis Text Line.

Related: How to Watch and Stream the Billboard Music Awards in 2024