@sarahjones5886: Linkin Park’s New Lead Singer Asked Herself “Am I Even Cut Out for This?” Before Singing the Band’s Biggest Hits When Emily Armstrong joined Linkin Park in 2024, she took on a huge challenge. She had to sing songs made famous by the band’s late lead singer, Chester Bennington, who d*ed in 2017 at age 41. Armstrong, 40, opens up in the band’s new documentary, Unshatter. She told PEOPLE she felt the pressure at first. “Am I even cut out for this?” she said. “Everybody knows these songs.” Co-lead vocalist Mike Shinoda, 49, said in the film that the task was “tricky.” Songs like “Crawling,” “Numb” and “In the End” were on the list. So how did she do it? Armstrong said she decided not to copy anyone. “You’re not a replacement,” she said. “Nobody could ever, ever replace Chester. Do what you do.” Her goal was to give the songs the same emotional impact. “That’s what I would want as a listener, as a Linkin Park fan,” she said. The band also put in the work. Drummer Colin Brittain, 39, said in the film that he and Armstrong met at his house about four days a week for months. They changed the keys of songs several times to find what felt comfortable for her. Director Joe Hahn, 49, said “Crawling” was the first song they tried. “It was almost like the icebreaker,” he told PEOPLE. Armstrong says she is grateful. “I know how lucky I am,” she said in the film. What do you think about a new singer taking on these songs? #linkinpark #emilyarmstrong #new #mikeshinoda #music

Oliver Martin

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Sunday 11 October 2026 13:57:40 GMT