Kelly Hansen to leave Foreigner as new singer is announced
He confirmed the news on The Voice
Last updated 21st May 2025
Foreigner vocalist Kelly Hansen has announced he’s leaving the legendary British- American rock band after 20 years.
64-year-old Hansen, who replaced Lou Gramm in Foreigner in 2005, confirmed his departure during Foreigner’s appearance on The Voice’s live finale on NBC on Tuesday night (20th May).
After belting out ‘Feels Like the First Time’, Kelly Hansen told viewers “This will be my last year with Foreigner. At the end of the summer, a new great voice will sing these songs for you – my friend Luis Maldonado.”
Passing the mic to his successor, Maldonado sang ‘Juke Box Hero’ as part of the four-minute medley before the two vocalists shared singing duties on ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’.
Maldonado, who has previously performed with Glenn Hughes, Train, John Waite and Lisa Marie Presley, has been a Foreigner guitarist and bassist since 2021.
Watch Foreigner’s three-song medley on The Voice:
In a statement issued after The Voice performance, Kelly Hansen said: "Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
"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."
Foreigner leader and founder Mick Jones adds: "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" Mick added. "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.
"I wish Kelly great happiness in his next endeavours 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."
"This music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember," comments Luis Maldonado. "I'm ready to honour Foreigner's legacy and bring my heart to every performance."
Back in March, Foreigner announced a 13-date tour of Canada in October with Nova Scotian singer-actor Geordie Brown on lead vocals.
Luis Maldano was later unveiled as the vocalist on Foreigner’s South American tour with a handful of guest appearances from original vocalist Lou Gramm.
Kelly Hansen performed with Foreigner on the recently completed North American leg of their Historic Farewell Tour. It’s current unclear when his last show will be.
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