Iconic 70s rock band announces lineup change as frontman quits and replacement is revealed
ICONIC 70s rock band Foreigner have announced a lineup change, with their frontman quitting for a replacement.
Kelly Hansen, 64, who has lead Foreigner for the past 20 years, made the announcement during an appearance on The Voice U.S.
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The six-piece had performed a medley of Feels Like the First Time, I Want to Know What Love Is and Juke Box Hero during last night's live finale.
And, at the end or their set, Kelly told fans guitarist Luis Maldonado will be taking over from him.
The singer said: 'Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honours of my life.
'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.'
Luis, already a familiar face in the band's lineup, shared his excitement about the transition.
He gushed: 'This music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I'm ready to honour Foreigner's legacy and bring my heart to every performance.'
The group is currently in the midst of their Historic Farewell Tour, which will wrap up with multiple singers sharing frontman duties.
In a move that has kept fans guessing, the band revealed earlier this year that Kelly would not be joining them for their Canadian dates in October, followed by the news that he would also skip shows in Mexico and South America this April.
Adding to the uncertainty, Foreigner announced in March that Canadian stage actor and Broadway performer Geordie Brown would be fronting those Canadian shows.
It remains unclear whether Louis or Geordie will now take the lead for those dates.
Ian McDonald plays with King Crimson at Hyde Park in 1969
Foreigner founder Mick Jones, who no longer performs live but remains involved with the band, reflected on the decision in a statement.
He 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' debut as lead vocalist is already underway.
This month, Foreigner released two reworked versions of their classic hits - 1981's Urgent and I Want To Know What Love Is from 1984 - both sung in Spanish and featuring Luis on vocals.
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