Teddy Swims nearly joined Linkin Park before shining at Lollapalooza with “Lose Control”

Teddy Swims, the 32-year-old American singer who took the world by storm with his hit “Lose Control,” unveiled a surprising story that nearly altered his career: he came close to becoming Linkin Park’s vocalist. On the eve of his debut at Lollapalooza Brazil, scheduled for March 28 to 30 in São Paulo, the 2025 Grammy nominee for Best New Artist opened up about the six studio sessions he had with the rock band following Chester Bennington’s death in 2017. The experience, which led to his contribution to the 2024 album “From Zero,” stirred fans and heightened anticipation for his festival performance.

Teddy’s journey to the Brazilian stage follows a rare wave of success. With over 1 billion streams for “Lose Control” and a new album, “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2),” released in January this year, he arrives at Lollapalooza as one of the most anticipated acts. His stint with Linkin Park, though it didn’t result in an official role, left its mark on “From Zero,” where he’s credited as a co-writer on the track “Overflow.” In a recent podcast, Teddy described working with the band as one of the highlights of his life, emphasizing his connection with Mike Shinoda, the band’s co-vocalist and leader.

Earlier this month, during a convention in the United States, Teddy spoke with fans and mentioned his involvement in the auditions to replace Bennington. The revelation went viral on social media, shedding light on a lesser-known collaboration and sparking discussions about Linkin Park’s future and Emily Armstrong’s role as the new vocalist. Meanwhile, the singer prepares to captivate audiences in São Paulo, bringing his unique blend of soul, R&B, and pop to the Interlagos Racetrack.

Secret sessions with Linkin Park

Following Chester Bennington’s death, Linkin Park faced years of silence before planning a comeback. Between 2022 and 2023, the band secretly tested new vocalists, searching for someone to honor the legacy left by their frontman. Teddy Swims, then rising with YouTube covers and original singles, was invited to studio sessions in Los Angeles. Over about six meetings, he recorded versions of tracks that would later appear on “From Zero,” released in November 2024.

The collaboration went beyond a mere audition. Teddy actively contributed to “Overflow,” one of the album’s 11 tracks, blending the band’s signature nu-metal intensity with a more melodic approach. His deep, emotive voice caught the attention of Mike Shinoda, who spearheaded the creative process after the band’s hiatus. Although Emily Armstrong from Dead Sara was ultimately chosen as the official vocalist, Teddy’s involvement highlights how Linkin Park explored diverse styles before settling on its new lineup.

• Studio sessions: Teddy recorded with the band six times.
• Confirmed contribution: Co-writer of “Overflow” on “From Zero.”
• Creative experiment: Collaboration marked a milestone in his career.

Teddy’s path to stardom

Born Jaten Dimsdale in Atlanta, Georgia, Teddy Swims kicked off his musical journey in 2019, posting covers on YouTube that quickly racked up millions of views. From renditions of classics like Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” to contemporary hits, he showcased a versatility that landed him a deal with Warner Records. His breakthrough hit, “Lose Control,” released in 2023, topped U.S. charts for weeks and put him on the global map, amassing over 1 billion Spotify streams by March this year.

Before fame, Teddy played in local bands across genres like metal and country, which explains his ease in adapting to Linkin Park’s recording sessions. At 32, he’s already earned a 2025 Grammy nomination for Best New Artist and sold-out shows across the U.S. and Europe. His Lollapalooza Brazil debut marks the peak of this rise, bringing to the country an artist who combines impressive vocal technique with a magnetic stage presence.

Linkin Park’s new chapter

Linkin Park returned to the spotlight in 2024 with “From Zero,” their first full album since “One More Light” in 2017. After losing Chester Bennington, the band opted for a hiatus until Mike Shinoda, alongside remaining members, decided how to move forward. The selection of Emily Armstrong as lead vocalist, announced in September 2024, came with Colin Brittain stepping in on drums, replacing Rob Bourdon, who stepped back from live performances.

The selection process was extensive and involved multiple artists. Teddy Swims was among those tested, bringing his soul expertise to tracks meant to refresh the band’s sound. The outcome, heard on “From Zero,” features singles like “The Emptiness Machine,” which hit the top of alternative rock charts within days. The world tour, launched in January this year in Mexico, has already spanned over 10 countries, with dates scheduled in Europe and Asia through the end of 2025.

Teddy’s debut in Brazil

Lollapalooza Brazil, set for March 28, 29, and 30 at the Interlagos Racetrack, will host Teddy Swims’ first performance in the country. The festival, featuring dozens of international and local acts like Olivia Rodrigo and Green Day, has high expectations for Teddy. His show is expected to spotlight “Lose Control” alongside tracks from his new album, such as “Bad Dreams,” released in January. The performance promises to be one of the event’s standout moments, with fans eager for his live energy.

Teddy arrives in Brazil on the heels of major achievements. In February, he performed at the BRIT Awards, moving audiences with an acoustic version of his biggest hit. The Grammy nomination, announced earlier this year, solidifies his status as one of today’s most promising artists. For Brazilian fans, the show offers a chance to experience firsthand the talent that nearly reshaped Linkin Park.

Memorable meeting with Mike Shinoda

In 2024, Teddy Swims and Mike Shinoda were spotted together at a music event in the U.S. The photo of the two smiling for the cameras spread widely online, fueling speculation about their partnership. Captured months before “From Zero” dropped, the image represents a bridge between Teddy’s soul roots and Linkin Park’s alternative rock, two worlds that collided in the studio.

Their relationship seems to have been more than just professional. Teddy has said working with Shinoda was an honor, praising the Linkin Park leader’s creativity as an inspiration. Though he pursued his solo path, the encounter suggests the collaboration left a lasting impact on both, with fans hoping for future joint projects.

Social media buzz

Teddy’s revelation about his Linkin Park sessions blew up online. After his comment at the March convention, X users shared snippets of his statement, like one fan who wrote: “He said he recorded songs for the new album with the band.” The news gained traction when fans confirmed his credit on “Overflow,” driving a fresh spike in “From Zero” streams on Spotify.

With over 5 million Instagram followers, Teddy already had a strong following, but the Linkin Park tie expanded his reach. Videos of his live performances, like his Grammy 2025 set, keep going viral, while rock fans debate how he’d have sounded fronting Linkin Park. The online chatter underscores the impact of his story, uniting admirers from both musical spheres.

• Online explosion: Fans react to his near Linkin Park role.
• Wider reach: Collaboration boosts “From Zero” streams.
• Fan debate: Comparisons between Teddy and Emily Armstrong.

Teddy Swims’ career timeline

Teddy Swims’ career is defined by milestones showing his growth:

• 2019: Starts with YouTube covers, gaining millions of views.
• 2023: Releases “Lose Control,” a global chart-topping hit.
• 2024: Records with Linkin Park and features on “Overflow.”
• January 2025: Debuts “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2).”
• March 2025: Performs at Lollapalooza Brazil in São Paulo.

Linkin Park’s 2025 tour

Linkin Park kicked off the year with a world tour to promote “From Zero.” Launched in January in Mexico, the concert series has hit cities like Los Angeles and Tokyo, selling over 50,000 tickets in North America alone. The revamped lineup, with Emily Armstrong on vocals and Colin Brittain on drums, preserves the band’s core while exploring fresh sonic territory.

A new single, “Up From The Bottom,” is slated for March 27, just before Lollapalooza. Mike Shinoda called it one of the band’s most powerful tracks ever, raising fan anticipation. Rumors suggest a South American leg later this year, potentially bringing Linkin Park back to Brazil after years away.

Gearing up for the Brazilian stage

Teddy Swims lands in São Paulo at a special moment. Beyond musical success, he announced in February that he’s expecting his first child with girlfriend Raiche Wright, an R&B singer. The news, shared before the Grammy, adds emotion to his Brazil debut, where he vows to deliver an intense, personal show.

His Lollapalooza setlist is likely to feature hits like “Lose Control” and “Hammer to the Heart,” plus possible nods to his Linkin Park stint. That experience might surface as a tribute, like a snippet of “Overflow,” thrilling the crowd. For Teddy, the festival is an opportunity to win over a new audience and cement his global standing.

Chester Bennington’s legacy

Chester Bennington left an indelible mark on Linkin Park. The vocalist since the band’s 1996 inception, he powered hits like “In the End” and “Numb,” selling millions of copies. His 2017 death halted a brilliant career, but the return with “From Zero” reflects the band’s effort to move forward without erasing his memory.

Teddy Swims’ role in Linkin Park’s renewal process shows the care taken to find a voice that respected that past. While Emily Armstrong takes the mic, Teddy’s contribution to “Overflow” reminds fans of how the band tested new directions, keeping alive the essence Chester helped build.