Kelly Hansen has officially announced that he will step down as the lead singer of the iconic rock band, Foreigner. The announcement came during a performance on NBC’s “The Voice” on May 20. In a heartfelt moment, guitarist Luis Maldonado was introduced as Hansen’s successor, marking a significant transition for the band.
At 64, Hansen expressed his gratitude for his time with Foreigner, saying, “Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors 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.”
Mick Jones, the band’s founding member, remains involved with Foreigner. He, along with current members including Maldonado, Bruce Watson, Michael Bluestein, Chris Frazier, and Jeff Pilson, continues to keep the band’s legacy alive. Jones reflected on his early vision for Foreigner, stating, “In 1976, my goal was to assemble the finest group of musicians I could find. Results have shown that it worked!”
Jones praised Hansen for revitalizing the band’s music over the past two decades. “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,” he noted. He also expressed excitement for Maldonado’s new role, mentioning the positive reception he received during performances in South America.
Hansen joined Foreigner in 2005, stepping in for Lou Gramm, the original lead singer. Interestingly, Gramm and Foreigner are reuniting for a tour after more than two decades apart, adding another layer to the band’s dynamic history.
Looking to the future, Foreigner will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2026 with plans for a special tour and a documentary to mark the occasion. As the band continues its journey, fans can expect to see how this new chapter unfolds under Maldonado’s leadership.
