“Go woke, go broke”: Fans slam Mike Shinoda over claim that backlash to new Linkin Park singer Emily Armstrong was simply because she’s female 

Linkin Park has reportedly been receiving heat from fans over the newest member of the band. Mike Shinoda, co-founder and lead vocalist, in an interview with The Guardian published on July 18, 2025, shared that Emily Armstrong, who joined the band in 2024, seven years after lead singer Chester Bennington's passing, might have thrown fans off being a female.

According to him, they were used to seeing an all-man lineup and listening to male voices leading songs:

"There were people who lashed out at Emily, and it was really because she wasn't a guy. They were just so uncomfortable with what it was that they chose a ton of things to complain about. They're pointing in 10 different directions, saying: 'This is why I'm mad, this is why the band sucks.'"

Armstrong, who also spoke with The Guardian, opened up about how she felt about the reaction from fans:

"I was a little bit naive about it, to be honest. But I'm old enough to know the difference between real life and the internet."

Linkin Park is currently on their From Zero World tour and will play a Brooklyn show on July 29, 2025.

Fans react to Mike Shinoda’s claim

. @nypost on X shared Shinoda’s statement about Emily Armstrong on X, and several LP fans didn’t agree with his reasoning.

@YankeesMIKE2408 replied:

“Go Woke, go broke. Every single time.”

Others stated that fans were unimpressed because LP tried to replace their legendary lead singer Chester and not because of Armstrong’s gender.

“No. They lashed out because Linkin Park isn't the band without Chester. Nirvana didn't replace Kurt Cobain. Dave Grohl made his OWN band. If Mike wanted to keep making music, he should have made a new band. You don't "replace" a legendary singer and blame fans for not liking it,” @paulinaplazas stated.

“She’s a good singer just not as lead singer of Linkin Park,” @br0fessional explsined.

“No, it’s because they love Chester and he’s gone,” @MrMooment expressed.

Other fans thought differently, adding that they loved Emily Armstrong and found her a good fit for the band.

“At first I wasn’t sure, but after listening to the album a few times, I think she’s a good fit for the band,” @bstreier stated.

“She’s UNBELIEVABLE! Can’t wait to see Linkin Park in Nashville next month!!” @SophiaMarieB gushed.

What do you think of Linkin Park's current avatar? Sound off in the comments section below.

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