Linkin Park’s decision to bring Emily Armstrong into the fold as their new co-vocalist has sparked intense debate among fans. The band, known for its genre-defying sound and emotional depth, faced a monumental challenge following the tragic loss of Chester Bennington in 2017. After years of uncertainty, the announcement of the From Zero World Tour 2025 and the release of the album From Zero with Emily sharing vocal duties alongside Mike Shinoda has reignited the passion of longtime fans while drawing in new listeners.
But has Linkin Park made the right call by introducing Emily to the band? To answer this, let’s dive into the tour’s setlist, the band’s dynamic with Emily, and the fan response, focusing on the setlist provided for the From Zero World Tour 2025.
Act I: Laying the Foundation
The From Zero World Tour 2025 opens with a powerful Inception Intro C, infused with elements of Burn It Down, setting an electrifying tone. This seamless blend of old and new signals Linkin Park’s intent to honor their legacy while forging a fresh path with Emily.
- Somewhere I Belong: A fan favorite from Meteora, this track kicks off the set with soaring vocals and introspective lyrics. Emily’s vocal delivery here complements Mike’s rap verses, creating a balanced dynamic that respects the original while introducing her distinct tone.
- Crawling: One of Linkin Park’s most iconic songs, Crawling is a bold choice early in the set. Emily’s raw, emotive vocals tackle Chester’s parts, and while some fans may feel no one can replace his intensity, her performance adds a new layer of vulnerability that resonates deeply.
- New Divide: Originally written for the Transformers franchise, this track showcases the band’s ability to evolve. Emily and Mike’s vocal interplay, backed by Brad Delson’s searing guitar riffs, bridges the band’s cinematic past with their current era.
- The Emptiness Machine: The lead single from From Zero, this song introduces Emily as a core creative force. Her commanding presence and the song’s heavy electronic edge make it a standout, proving she can hold her own in Linkin Park’s complex soundscape.
Act I sets a strong foundation, blending classics with new material to ease fans into Emily’s role. Her vocals are confident yet respectful of the band’s history, and the crowd’s energy suggests they’re open to this new chapter.
Act II: Creation and Collaboration
The Creation Intro C, again incorporating Burn It Down, transitions into Act II, which highlights the band’s collaborative spirit and Emily’s integration.
- The Catalyst: A politically charged anthem from A Thousand Suns, this track allows Emily to showcase her range. Her harmonies with Mike during the chorus elevate the song’s urgency, reinforcing her fit within the band’s experimental side.
- Burn It Down: A high-energy track from Living Things, this performance is a nod to the intro’s motif. Emily’s vocals add a fresh texture, and the crowd’s sing-along proves the song’s enduring appeal.
- Over Each Other (with Emily on guitar): A new track from From Zero, this moment is pivotal. Emily steps into the spotlight, not just as a vocalist but as a multi-instrumentalist. Her guitar work alongside Brad’s creates a haunting, melodic vibe, and the emotional weight of the lyrics showcases her songwriting contribution.
- Waiting for the End: This fan-favorite blends reggae and electronica, with Mike and Emily trading vocals. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the song’s hopeful message resonates as a metaphor for the band’s resilience.
- Castle of Glass: A reflective track from Living Things, this performance highlights Emily’s ability to convey fragility. Her softer vocal approach contrasts with Mike’s rap, creating a poignant moment.
- Two Faced: Another new song, Two Faced is gritty and aggressive, allowing Emily to channel a fiercer side. The band’s synergy here is electric, with Dave “Phoenix” Farrell’s basslines driving the intensity.
- Joe Hahn Solo (with Colin on drums): Joe Hahn’s turntable wizardry, paired with Colin’s dynamic drumming, offers a brief interlude that keeps the energy high. This moment underscores the band’s willingness to experiment, even in their live shows.
- When They Come for Me / Remember the Name (Mike solo; with Colin on guitar and drums): Mike’s solo segment is a crowd-pleaser, blending Linkin Park’s early energy with his Fort Minor roots. Colin’s versatility adds a fresh layer, reinforcing the band’s collaborative spirit.
- Given Up: Emily tackles this raw, screaming track from Minutes to Midnight. Her intensity matches the song’s chaotic energy, earning cheers from fans who doubted her ability to handle heavier material.
- One Step Closer: Closing Act II, this Hybrid Theory classic ignites the crowd. Emily and Mike’s shared vocals on the chorus amplify the song’s cathartic release, proving that Linkin Park’s core essence remains intact.
Act II showcases Emily’s versatility and the band’s commitment to blending their past with their present. Her guitar work and vocal range silence skeptics, while the setlist’s diversity keeps the audience engaged.
Act III: Emotional Resonance
Break/Collapse introduces Act III, a more introspective segment that leans into the band’s emotional depth.
- Lost (hybrid version, 1st verse/1st chorus Mike and Emily on piano into full band version): This reimagined version of the Meteora bonus track is a highlight. Mike and Emily’s piano duet is hauntingly beautiful, and the transition to a full-band performance is explosive. Fans’ emotional response, as seen in posts like @LinkinParkShows’ tweet about Where’d You Go, suggests a demand for more of this dynamic.
- Good Things Go: A new ballad from From Zero, this track showcases Emily’s softer side. Her heartfelt delivery and the song’s minimalist arrangement create a lump-in-the-throat moment.
- What I’ve Done: A staple from Minutes to Midnight, this song’s themes of redemption resonate powerfully. Emily’s vocals add a fresh perspective, and the crowd’s participation turns it into a communal experience.
Act III is a masterclass in pacing, balancing emotional weight with crowd-pleasing energy. Emily’s ability to navigate these shifts solidifies her place in the band.
Act IV: Kintsugi and Climax
The Kintsugi segment, symbolizing beauty in imperfection, leads into the set’s climax.
- Overflow: A new track with pulsating rhythms and introspective lyrics, Overflow highlights Emily’s vocal strength and the band’s evolving sound.
- Numb (with “Numb/Encore” intro): The Collision Course intro adds a nostalgic twist to this Meteora classic. Emily’s take on Chester’s iconic melody is respectful yet distinct, earning roars from the crowd.
- In the End: Arguably Linkin Park’s most iconic song, In the End is a test for Emily. Her delivery is powerful, and the audience’s word-for-word sing-along proves the song’s timelessness.
- Faint (extended outro): This high-octane track closes the main set with a bang. The extended outro, driven by Rob Bourdon’s relentless drumming, leaves the crowd buzzing.
Encore: Resolution and Triumph
The Resolution Intro C brings the show full circle, leading into a triumphant encore.
- Papercut: A blistering Hybrid Theory track, Papercut showcases Emily’s ability to match the band’s early ferocity.
- From the Inside: This Meteora deep cut is a fan favorite, and Emily’s emotive performance keeps the energy soaring.
- Heavy Is the Crown: A new anthem from From Zero, this track feels tailor-made for stadiums. Emily’s commanding vocals and the song’s epic scope make it a future classic.
- Bleed It Out (extended bridge with “Cut the Bridge” bridge): The show closes with this Minutes to Midnight banger. The extended bridge, incorporating Cut the Bridge, sends the crowd into a frenzy, cementing the night as unforgettable.
The Verdict: Emily’s Impact
So, did Linkin Park make the right call with Emily? The From Zero World Tour 2025 setlist and fan reactions suggest a resounding yes. Emily Armstrong brings vocal power, instrumental skill, and a fresh creative spark that honors the band’s legacy while pushing them forward. Her ability to tackle Chester’s parts with respect, contribute to new material, and connect with fans—evident in moments like the Lost duet and social media buzz—proves her worth. The setlist’s balance of classics, new tracks, and experimental moments reflects a band revitalized, not reinvented.
While some fans may always hold Chester’s memory sacred, Emily’s integration feels like a natural evolution. As @LinkinParkShows’ tweet hints, tracks like Where’d You Go could further cement her place if released. For now, the From Zero World Tour 2025 is a testament to Linkin Park’s resilience and Emily’s undeniable talent. The crown may be heavy, but Emily wears it well.
