Foreigner Singer Kelly Hansen Quits Band, Reveals Replacement

Kelly Hansen is quitting Foreigner. The band's longtime singer shared the news during the band's recent appearance on The Voice season finale, revealing that guitarist Luis Maldonado will be the band's new vocalist.

“After 20 magical years performing with this band, this will be my last year with Foreigner," he said. "This summer, a new great voice will sing these songs for you, my friend Luis Maldonado.”

Hansen joined Foreigner in 2005, replacing original singer Lou Gramm. Hansen reflected on his time with the band in a written statement. “Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors of my life," he said. "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.”

“This music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember," Maldonado added. "I’m ready to honor Foreigner’s legacy and bring my heart to every performance.”

Foreigner co-founder Mick Jones, who no longer plays live with the band, also shared a lengthy statement about the lineup change. “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," he explained. “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.”

“I wish Kelly great happiness in his next endeavors after our summer tour, and I look forward to welcoming Luis to his new position," he continued. “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.”

Hansen was not present during Foreigner's spring tour dates but plans to tour with the band this summer before taking his final bow.