The singer has been with the group for 20 years
In a surprise moment that brought both judges and fans to their feet, Kelly Hansen, longtime lead vocalist of legendary rock band Foreigner, announced he’s stepping down live during a special appearance on NBC’s The Voice. After two decades fronting the band with one of rock’s most iconic catalogs, Hansen revealed he will be leaving FOREIGNER at the end of the Summer 2025 tour.
In a moving segment that aired nationally, Hansen introduced Luis Maldonado as his official successor — a moment that symbolized both an end and a bold new beginning for the powerhouse group.
“Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Hansen. “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 had this to say, “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. 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.”
Before Luis joined Foreigner, he was best known as the guitarist for Train and for his work with Lisa Marie Presley. He now steps into the spotlight as Foreigner’s new lead singer. Maldonado brings a rich blend of vocal power, stage charisma, and musical versatility that makes him a natural fit to lead the next chapter of the band’s journey.
“This music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” said Maldonado. “I’m ready to honor Foreigner’s legacy and bring my heart to every performance.”
Hansen joined Foreigner in 2005 and played a crucial role in revitalizing the band’s live presence. His powerful vocals and magnetic stage presence helped introduce Foreigner’s timeless hits to a new generation of fans across the globe.
Foreigner’s tour continues through 2025 and will feature both Hansen and Maldonado on stage in a symbolic handoff. The transition coincides with major milestones for the band, including next year’s 50th anniversary of its formation in New York in 1976.
For the last two years, Foreigner as been trekking around the globe on their ongoing final tour. Due to incredible demand, the band has continued to add to the run, booking more dates last summer with Styx and John Waite. Now, the group is looking ahead to 2026 and celebrating their 50th anniversary – and they are doing it with founding frontman Lou Gramm.
Fans in Florida recently, as Gramm joined the band for their final two songs of the evening – “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Hot Blooded.” Check out the fan-filmed footage below from The BayCare Sound in Clearwater.
Over the last decade, founding Foreigner guitarist Mick Jones has performed very sparingly with the band. While on tour, Jones would typically join the group for a select few songs during the show. While it was assumed the restricted schedule was due to health reasons, Jones has now confirmed that he has been battling Parkinson’s disease.
“Fans will have become very aware that for some time now, I have not been performing onstage with the band. A number of years ago I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I want everyone to know that I am doing alright, however, l’ve always liked to be at my best when performing onstage, and sadly at present find that a bit difficult. I’m still very much involved in the background with Foreigner and remain a presence. Parkinson’s is a daily struggle; several of my friends are also dealing with the disease. The important thing is to persevere with the loving support of my family, and remind myself of the wonderful career l’ve had in music. I thank all the fans who have supported Foreigner throughout the years and continue to attend our concerts. Please know I appreciate your support; it always means so very much to me, especially so at this point in my life.”
Foreigner recently joined an exclusive club. The band’s mega-hit “I Want to Know What Love Is” recently surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify. The group is now in the coveted Billions Club, alongside Aerosmith, The Beatles, Queen, AC/DC, Elton John, and more.
Foreigner has an extraordinary streaming and radio audience driven by a catalogue of no less than sixteen Top 30 hits. With more Billboard Top 10 hits than Journey, and just as many as Fleetwood Mac, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 80 million. Responsible for some of rock and roll’s most enduring anthems, including “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Urgent,” “Head Games,” “Say You Will,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Long, Long Way From Home” and the worldwide #1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” Foreigner still rocks the charts more than 40 years into the game with massive airplay and continued Billboard Top 200 album success. Streams of Foreigner’s hits are approaching 15 million per week.