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Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda tells PEOPLE he’s focused on “this new chapter” in the band
“We’re in a very unique position that we’re very grateful for, where this many years in, new fans are still showing up and people are still excited about the new music,” says the singer and rapper
Linkin Park is nominated received two nominations at the 2026 Grammy Awards
Linkin Park‘s Mike Shinoda is looking ahead.
The singer and rapper spoke to PEOPLE about focusing on the “next chapter” in the rock group’s career at the Warner Music Group Pre-Grammy Awards Party in Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday, Jan. 29.
“We’re in a very unique position that we’re very grateful for, where this many years in, new fans are still showing up and people are still excited about the new music,” says Shinoda, 48. “Twenty-something years in, it’s a real blessing to be able to experience that.”
Chester Bennington in February 2017 in New York City
Michael Loccisano/Getty
When asked if he and the rock group hold a piece of the late singer Chester Bennington with them on stage each night after his death in 2017, the “Already Over” musician said that they “obviously” they do. “As we do, the fans do, of course,” he says.
Shinoda then noted that since Emily Armstrong joined the band in 2024, the band has been trying to focus on the future.
“The new album and the new tours are really about looking forward in this new chapter, and Emily is her own person with her own voice,” he says.
Shinoda notes that Linkin Park has “designed things around celebrating” their new lead singer and “obviously the great new music that we make.”
He further elaborated on what it was like trying to find someone to take on the role of Linkin Park’s lead vocalist.
“When we were trying to find somebody new to fit in with the band, talent was a basic prerequisite,” recalls Shinoda. “It’s more about chemistry and knowing that we could spend a hell of a lot of hours with somebody on the road.”
Dave Farrell, Mike Shinoda, Emily Armstrong and Colin Brittain in October 2025 in West Hollywood, Calif.
Robyn Beck / AFP) (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty
According to him, it’s “played out pretty well.”
Linkin Park is received two nominations at the 2026 Grammy Awards — Best Rock Album for From Zero and Best Rock Performance for their single “The Emptiness Machine.”
When asked how the “In the End” rockers were going to celebrate should they take home a gold statue, Shinoda replies, “We’ll see if it happens.”
Linkin Park released their eighth studio album From Zero in 2024, which was the first record to feature Armstrong, 39, and drummer Colin Brittain. The LP peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums chart and No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.
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