In a shock second that introduced each judges and followers to their ft, Kelly Hansen, longtime lead vocalist of legendary rock band FOREIGNER, introduced he is stepping down reside throughout a particular look on NBC‘s “The Voice”. After 20 years fronting the band with considered one of rock’s most iconic catalogs, Hansen revealed he might be leaving FOREIGNER on the finish of the summer time 2025 tour.
In a transferring section that aired nationally, Hansen launched Luis Maldonado as his official successor — a second that symbolized each an finish and a daring new starting for the powerhouse group.
“Being the voice of FOREIGNER has been one of many biggest honors of my life,” mentioned Hansen. “However it is time to cross the mic. Luis has the voice, the power, and the soul to hold these songs into the long run. I could not be prouder at hand this off to him.”
FOREIGNER chief and founder Mick Jones had this to say: “In 1976, my aim was to assemble the best group of musicians I might discover. Outcomes have proven that it labored! About thirty years later, Jason Bonham inspired me to do it yet again and create a brand-new FOREIGNER, and the magic was nonetheless there. I used to be particularly lucky within the alternative of lead singer.
“Kelly Hansen is among the finest entrance males in our enterprise and during the last twenty years he has breathed new life into our songs” Mick added. “His boundless power and flawless expertise has helped us climb the mountain and arrange the chance for FOREIGNER vocalist and guitarist Luis Maldonado to convey us dwelling.
“I want Kelly nice happiness in his subsequent endeavors after our summer time tour, and I sit up for welcoming Luis to his new place. Luis was my alternative as a guitarist and he has already proven us what he can do on lead vocals by fronting the band in South America to unbelievable critiques. He’ll quickly lead the cost that can carry us ahead to new heights.”
Earlier than Luis joined FOREIGNER, he was finest generally known as the guitarist for TRAIN and for his work with Lisa Marie Presley. He now steps into the highlight as FOREIGNER‘s new lead singer. Maldonado brings a wealthy mix of vocal energy, stage charisma, and musical versatility that makes him a pure match to guide the subsequent chapter of the band’s journey.
“This music has been a part of my life for so long as I can keep in mind,” mentioned Maldonado. “I am able to honor FOREIGNER‘s legacy and produce my coronary heart to each efficiency.”
Hansen joined FOREIGNER in 2005 and performed a vital function in revitalizing the band’s reside presence. His highly effective vocals and magnetic stage presence helped introduce FOREIGNER‘s timeless hits to a brand new technology of followers throughout the globe.
FOREIGNER‘s tour continues by way of 2025 and can function each Hansen and Maldonado on stage in a symbolic handoff. The transition coincides with main milestones for the band, together with subsequent yr’s fiftieth anniversary of its formation in New York in 1976.
FOREIGNER changed unique singer Lou Gramm with Hansen. Jones, the one remaining unique member of FOREIGNER, suffered from some well being points starting in 2011, finally leading to coronary heart surgical procedure in 2012. In February 2024, Jones revealed on social media that he was battling Parkinson’s illness, which defined his absence from FOREIGNER‘s reside exhibits since 2022.
Liable for a few of rock and roll’s most enduring anthems together with “Juke Field Hero”, “Chilly As Ice”, “Scorching Blooded”, “Ready For A Lady Like You”, “Feels Like The First Time”, “Pressing”, “Head Video games”, “Say You Will” and the worldwide No. 1 hit and member of Spotify‘s unique Billions Membership “I Need To Know What Love Is”, Rock And Roll Corridor Of Famers FOREIGNER nonetheless rock the charts nearly 50 years into the sport with large airplay and continued Billboard 200 album success. Streams of FOREIGNER‘s hits are over 15 million per week.
