Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
“Serving as Foreigner’s lead vocalist has truly been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” the rock star shared as he announced his departure.
Kelly Hansen has officially announced his departure as Foreigner’s lead vocalist.
The 64-year-old singer broke the news during the band’s appearance on NBC’s The Voice on Tuesday, May 20. The episode featured a heartfelt transition as guitarist Luis Maldonado was introduced as his successor, marking an emotional “passing of the torch.”
“Being Foreigner’s frontman has been one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Hansen shared in a statement. “But now it’s time to hand over the mic. Luis brings the voice, passion, and spirit needed to carry these songs forward. I’m incredibly proud to pass this role on to him.”
Mick Jones remains the sole founding member of Foreigner still active in the band. The current lineup features Luis Maldonado, Bruce Watson, Michael Bluestein, Chris Frazier, and Jeff Pilson.
Reflecting on the band’s origins, the 80-year-old English musician shared, “Back in 1976, my vision was to bring together the best musicians I could find—and history shows that it worked!”
Alongside Jones, Foreigner’s original members included lead vocalist Lou Gramm, rhythm guitarist and woodwind player Ian McDonald, bassist Ed Gagliardi, drummer Dennis Elliott, and keyboardist Al Greenwood.
Jones also spoke about revitalizing the group decades later: “Around 30 years on, [drummer] Jason Bonham encouraged me to build a new version of Foreigner, and the spark was still there.”
He had high praise for outgoing frontman Kelly Hansen, saying, “Choosing Kelly as our lead singer turned out to be a stroke of luck. He’s one of the finest frontmen in the business. Over the past two decades, his remarkable energy and vocal talent have reinvigorated our music.”
Jones went on to say Hansen’s contribution set the stage for what’s next: “Kelly helped us reach new heights, and now, he’s paved the way for vocalist and guitarist Luis Maldonado to guide us into the future.”
He concluded with a message of support for both artists: “I wish Kelly the very best as he moves on after our summer tour, and I’m excited to welcome Luis into his new role. He was my pick as guitarist, and after leading the band in South America to rave reviews, I know he’s ready to take us even further.”
Hansen became a member of Foreigner in 2005, stepping in as the replacement for Lou Gramm.
In April, Gramm, now 75, revealed that he and Foreigner would be reuniting for a tour, marking more than two decades since his departure from the band.
In a recent interview with Billboard, Gramm admitted that Foreigner’s upcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024 helped him reconcile with past conflicts within the group.
