Longtime Foreigner Lead Vocalist, Kelly Hansen, is Leaving Band After Two Decades

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The “Passing of the Torch” of lead vocalist for Foreigner

Kelly Hansen, longtime lead vocalist of Foreigner, has announced that he’s stepping down from the role. The 64 year-old singer revealed his decision during a live, special appearance last night (May 20, 2025) on NBC’s The Voice. After two decades fronting the band with one of classic rock’s most iconic catalogs, Hansen revealed he will be leaving the group at the end of their summer tour.

During the segment, Hansen introduced Luis Maldonado as his official successor. “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.” Hansen joined the band in 2005 following the departure of the group’s original lead vocalist, Lou Gramm. The band was finally inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, after decades of eligibility.

Watch the band perform on NBC’s The Voice on May 20

In a prepared statement, Foreigner‘s founder, Mick Jones, said, “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.”

Luis Maldonado and Kelly Hansen performing together during Foreigner’s appearance on NBC’s The Voice, on May 20, 2025.

Before Maldonado joined Foreigner, he was best known as the guitarist for Train and for his work with Lisa Marie Presley. “This music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember,” he said. “I’m ready to honor Foreigner’s legacy and bring my heart to every performance.”

More from the announcement: 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 their 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. Tickets for the tour are available here.

Foreigner’s catalog features 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,” and the worldwide #1 hit “I Want To Know What Love Is.” Their catalog is available in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here.