Foreigner lead singer Kelly Hansen is exiting the band, but the ’70s rockers found a familiar face to replace him.
During the band’s performance on the May 20 season finale of NBC singing competition “The Voice,” Hansen announced his departure with a “passing of the torch” to their guitarist Luis Maldonado.
“Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Hansen said in a statement. “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 will exit the band after their summer 2025 tour ends.
Foreigner founder Mick Jones reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis amid farewell tour absences
Foreigner’s Mick Jones, the only founding member in the band from the original lineup, said that “in 1976, my goal was to assemble the finest group of musicians I could find” and “Results have shown that it worked!”
He added that “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,” telling fans “I was especially fortunate in the choice of lead singer.”
In the statement, Jones called Hansen “one of the best” frontmen in music and said he “breathed new life into our songs” over a 20-year span.
“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 said. “I wish Kelly great happiness in his next endeavors after our summer tour, and I look forward to welcoming Luis to his new position.”
Original Foreigner band member Mick Jones revealed Parkinson’s disease diagnosis
In February last year, Jones announced his ongoing absences from the band’s tour, revealing that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
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“Several years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease,” Jones revealed in a statement shared on social media. “I want everyone to know that I am doing alright. However, I’ve always liked to be at my best when performing onstage, and sadly, at present, I find that a bit difficult.”
The musician behind hits like “Feels Like the First Time” and “I Want to Know What Love Is” added that he is “still very much involved in the background with Foreigner and remain a presence.”
Contributing: Naledi Ushe
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Foreigner lead singer Kelly Hansen exits band on ‘The Voice’ finale
