After nearly 20 years leading the band, Kelly Hansen is stepping down as the frontman of Foreigner.
The surprising announcement came during the group’s recent performance on The Voice (aired May 20, 2025), where Hansen officially passed the mic to guitarist Luis Maldonado.
In a heartfelt statement, Hansen reflected on his long tenure with the iconic rock band. “Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” he said. “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.”
Hansen joined the band in 2005, taking over vocal duties from original singer Lou Gramm. His powerful voice and stage presence helped revive Foreigner for a new generation, earning him a respected place in the band’s legacy. Luis Maldonado, who has already filled in as lead vocalist on Foreigner’s South American tour, is no stranger to the band’s sound or fan expectations. His performance overseas earned rave reviews, and according to founding guitarist Mick Jones, Maldonado is the perfect fit.
“In 1976, my goal was to assemble the finest group of musicians I could find,” Jones said in a statement. “About 30 years later, Jason Bonham encouraged me to create a brand-new Foreigner. 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. Over the last 20 years, he has breathed new life into our songs.”
As for Maldonado’s new role, Jones didn’t hold back: “Luis was my choice as a guitarist, and he’s already shown what he can do on lead vocals. He’ll lead the charge that carries us forward to new heights.”
Kelly Hansen will remain with the “Foreigner” band through their summer tour before officially stepping aside. Fans will get a final chance to see him perform the hits that made Foreigner a staple of classic rock radio, from “Cold As Ice” to “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
Meanwhile, original frontman Lou Gramm, who had a rocky history with the band, recently shared that Foreigner’s 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction helped him find closure. “Ever since [the induction], it felt like I had to let go of some things I’ve been holding onto,” he told Billboard. “Life’s too short.”
As Foreigner prepares for a new chapter, fans can expect the same iconic sound, with fresh energy. With Maldonado at the helm, the band seems poised to continue its legacy well into the future.
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