He has also confirmed his replacement in the line-up
Foreigner frontman Kelly Hansen has announced his departure from the band, and confirmed his replacement.
The singer had served as lead vocalist in the British-American rock group since 2005. He took over the role from co-founder and original frontman Lou Gramm.
Hansen shared the news of his exit during Foreigner’s appearance on the season finale of The Voice last night (May 20). He told fans that Foreigner guitarist Luis Maldonado would be taking over as frontman.
“After 20 magical years performing with this band, this will be my last year with Foreigner. This summer, a new great voice will sing these songs for you, my friend Luis Maldonado,” Hansen told the audience (via Metro).
Later, he said in a statement: “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.”
Maldonado added: “This music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I’m ready to honour Foreigner’s legacy and bring my heart to every performance.”
Foreigner co-founder and leader Mick Jones, who no longer plays live with the band, explained: “In 1976, my goal was to assemble the finest group of musicians I could find. Results have shown that it worked! About 30 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 20 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.”
Jones continued: “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.”
In March, Foreigner confirmed that Hansen would not be performing with the band on the Canadian leg of their ongoing farewell tour this autumn. At the time, the group said that these concerts would be fronted by Broadway singer and actor Geordie Brown. It is not yet known if this is still the case.
Hansen had also revealed that he wouldn’t be participating in the scheduled shows in Mexico and South America this spring – where Maldonado took on frontman duties. Further dates will take place in the US this summer.
Foreigner were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year. In early 2024, Mick Jones revealed that he was living with Parkinson’s disease, and had been struggling with it for “several years”.
He is the last remaining original member of the rock band, but has been unable to perform live with them since 2022 due to health issues.
‘Foreigner’ released their ninth and latest studio album, ‘Can’t Slow Down’, in 2009. It marked the group’s first studio release with Hansen, and their first full-length effort since 1994’s ‘Mr. Moonlight’.
The world’s defining voice in music and pop culture: breaking what’s new and what’s next since 1952.
When you purchase through affiliate links on NME.com, you may contribute to our site through commissions. Learn more
© 2025 NME is part of NME Networks.