Foreigner announced their longtime lead singer Kelly Hansen will be leaving. The band shared the news live on finale of The Voice last night, revealing that guitarist Luis Maldonado will step into the role.
“Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Hansen said in a statement. “But it’s time to pass the mic. Luis has the voice, the energy, and the soul to carry these songs into the future. I couldn’t be prouder to hand this off to him.”
Maldonado added, “This music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’m ready to honor Foreigner’s legacy and bring my heart to every performance.”
Hansen joined Foreigner in 2005 and has since performed with the band, who will celebrate the 50th anniversary of their formation next year. The band’s current tour will feature both Hansen and Maldonado on stage in a symbolic handoff.
Foreigner founder Mick Jones said, “In 1976, my goal was to assemble the finest group of musicians I could find. Results have shown that it worked! About thirty years later, Jason Bonham encouraged me to do it all over again and create a brand-new Foreigner, and the magic was still there. I was especially fortunate in the choice of lead singer. Kelly Hansen is one of the best front men in our business and over the last twenty years he has breathed new life into our songs. His boundless energy and flawless talent has helped us climb the mountain and set up the opportunity for Foreigner vocalist and guitarist, Luis Maldonado, to bring us home.”
He added. “I wish Kelly great happiness in his next endeavors after our summer tour, and I look forward to welcoming Luis to his new position. Luis was my choice as a guitarist and he has already shown us what he can do on lead vocals by fronting the band in South America to incredible reviews. He will soon lead the charge that will carry us forward to new heights.”
During their appearance on The Voice finale Foreigner performed a medley of their hits, including “Feels Like the First Time” and “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
Editor’s picks
Last year, Foreigner were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, although the current lineup weren’t part of the original band so weren’t included in the honor. Those inducted included drummer Dennis Elliott, bassist Ed Gagliard (who died in 2014), Gramm, keyboardist Al Greenwood, Jones, guitarist/keyboardist Ian McDonald (who died in 2022), and bassist Rick Wills.
Trending Stories
“I’m thrilled that we’re finally a part of it,” Gramm told Rolling Stone. “For a good number of years, we were not. I racked my brain trying to figure out why we weren’t even nominated. I just couldn’t come up with an answer…[But] justice as been done.” He added that the present lineup announcing a farewell tour is “a pile of crap to get people to buy more records because it might be their last one.”
Foreigner is on tour across North America through November. They will also perform at Bourbon & Beyond festival in Louisville, Kentucky, in September. In 2026, the band will headline several shows at the Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas.
