Emily Armstrong discusses pressure of joining Linkin Park

Linkin Park vocalist Emily Armstrong has addressed the intense pressure and self-doubt she experienced after joining the band in 2024. In discussions surrounding the band’s documentary, ‘Unshatter’, the 40-year-old musician revealed that she initially questioned whether she was ‘cut out’ for the role of replacing the late Chester Bennington.

Armstrong noted the difficulty of performing iconic tracks such as ‘In the End’, ‘Numb’, and ‘Crawling’, given the deep connection fans have with Bennington’s original versions. Rather than attempting to replicate his style, Armstrong stated her goal was to find her own way and focus on delivering the same emotional impact to the audience.

Her appointment to the group followed the 2017 death of Bennington and was met with some controversy, including criticism from Bennington’s mother, Susan Eubanks. Armstrong, formerly of the rock group Dead Sara, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing the experience as something she has dreamed of.