On September 5, 2024, the rock world was shaken when Linkin Park officially announced their return after a seven-year hiatus following the passing of Chester Bennington. During a global livestream event in Los Angeles, Emily Armstrong was introduced as the band's new co-lead vocalist. She joined original members Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Dave "Phoenix" Farrell, and Joe Hahn, alongside new drummer Colin Brittain. Mike Shinoda described this new lineup not as a replacement of the past, but as a new era for the band.
Coinciding with the announcement, the band released their first new single in seven years, "The Emptiness Machine." The track immediately showcased Emily’s dynamic vocal range—transitioning from soft, melodic verses to the explosive, gritty screams that Linkin Park is known for. The song topped rock charts globally.
On November 15, 2024, the band released their eighth studio album, From Zero. The title holds a double meaning: it pays homage to the band’s original name, "Xero," and represents the journey of building something new from the ground up with Emily and Colin. The album featured hits like "Heavy Is The Crown" and "Over Each Other," proving that Emily could honor the band's legacy while pushing their sound forward.
Emily performed her first major arena show with the band at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles on September 11, 2024. Following this, the band embarked on the massive "From Zero World Tour," which spanned late 2024 through 2025 and into 2026.
During the tour, Emily won over skeptical fans by delivering respectful and powerful renditions of classics like "Numb" and "Crawling," while bringing a unique energy to the new tracks. A notable viral moment occurred during a concert in December 2025, where Emily and Mike Shinoda paused the show to help a fan do a gender reveal for their unborn baby, highlighting the deep connection the new lineup had forged with their fanbase.
While stepping into the shoes of an icon was a monumental task, Emily Armstrong successfully carved out her own space within the band. Critics praised her for not trying to mimic Bennington, but rather bringing her own raw, grunge-inspired intensity to the music. Mike Shinoda has frequently referred to her as a "once-in-a-generation talent."
"By 2026, Emily is widely credited with revitalizing Linkin Park and introducing their music to a new generation of listeners."