It turns out when you hire a new singer who is deep into the trenches of the celebrity cult and supported a serial rap*st that there are consequences.
No one wants to buy tickets to go see you in concert and you have to cancel an entire festival.
Emily Armstrong
Scientology – Danny Masterson
Emily Marcia Armstrong is an American singer. The co-founder of Dead Sara, she joined Linkin Park as the band’s new lead vocalist in September 2024, following the death of their long-time lead vocalist Chester Bennington in 2017.
Drama explained
Linkin Park’s return with new singer Emily Armstrong sparks controversy
After seven years of uncertainty following Chester Bennington’s passing, Linkin Park has returned, bringing in Emily Armstrong as their new lead vocalist alongside Mike Shinoda. But their comeback is already making waves—not just for the music, but for the drama.
Armstrong, best known as the fiery frontwoman of Dead Sara, has a big voice and an even bigger task: stepping into the shoes of one of rock’s most beloved vocalists. While many fans applauded her energy and unique style, others were quick to dig into her past.
Critics raised concerns about Armstrong’s ties to the Church of Scientology and her previous support of convicted rapist Danny Masterson. Armstrong addressed the controversy in an Instagram story, explaining she had attended a court hearing for Masterson years ago, thinking she was supporting a friend. “I misjudged him,” she admitted, clarifying that she has had no contact with him since and does not condone violence or abuse against women.
Still, the questions linger. Armstrong, born into a Scientologist family, hasn’t publicly commented on her current relationship with the church, leaving fans to speculate. Her music, however, hints at rebellion. Dead Sara’s 2018 song Heaven’s Got A Back Door critiques religious condemnation of queerness—a bold statement from Armstrong, who identifies as queer herself.
The lineup change has also sparked internal tensions. Chester Bennington’s son Jaime publicly criticized the decision, accusing the band of betraying fans and erasing his father’s legacy. Meanwhile, Brent Smith of Shinedown urged critics to give the band a chance, saying, “Chester is irreplaceable, but the band deserves to create a new chapter.”
Despite the controversy, Linkin Park’s new track featuring Armstrong has been well-received, with many praising her ability to complement the band’s sound without trying to mimic Bennington. As bassist Dave Farrell put it, “The energy is different, but it’s still us.”
Whether fans will embrace this new era or cling to the past remains to be seen. For now, Linkin Park is ready to move forward—messy headlines and all.