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USA Today
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Lead singer Kelly Hansen leaving Foreigner, band names Luis Maldonado as replacement
Lead singer Kelly Hansen leaving Foreigner, band names Luis Maldonado as replacement Show Caption Hide Caption Jamal Roberts on being 'American Idol' winner, going home to daughters Jamal Roberts won "American Idol" Season 23, but he's about to get even busier after recently welcoming a baby girl. 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. "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
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Iconic 70s rock band announces lineup change as frontman quits and replacement is revealed
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Foreigner have announced a lineup change, with frontman Kelly Hansen quitting Credit: Getty 4 Luis Maldonado will be taking over from him Credit: Getty 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. 4 Kelly made the announcement during an appearance on The Voice U.S. Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
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. 4 Foreigner have announced a lineup change, with frontman Kelly Hansen quitting Credit: Getty 4 Luis Maldonado will be taking over from him Credit: Getty 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.' read more on rock bands 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. Most read in Music 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. 4 Kelly made the announcement during an appearance on The Voice U.S. Credit: Getty 4 The six-piece had performed a medley of their hits Credit: Getty
New York Post
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Foreigner lead singer Kelly Hansen reveals departure from band on ‘The Voice': ‘It's time to pass the mic'
Foreigner's longtime lead singer Kelly Hansen stunned fans when he announced his departure from the legendary band in rockstar fashion. The 64-year-old rocker, who joined the band in 2005, broke the news on the season finale of NBC's 'The Voice' on Tuesday after performing the group's 1977 hit song 'Feels Like the First Time' alongside his bandmates. 'After 20 magical years fronting this band, this will be my last year with Foreigner,' Hansen told the crowd. 'At the end of this summer, a new great voice will sing these songs for you; my friend Luis Maldonado.' Advertisement 6 Foreigner's lead singer, Kelly Hansen, on Tuesday's episode of 'The Voice.' Tyler Golden/NBC via Getty Images Maldonado — who joined Foreigner in 2021 as a guitarist and has filled in as lead singer on the recent Latin America tour — appeared with a mic in hand on center stage and started singing one of the band's radio hit songs, 'Juke Box Hero.' Hansen joined Maldonado in an emotional send-off as the pair ended the night singing 'I Want to Know What Love Is.' Advertisement 'Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors of my life,' Hansen said following the announcement. '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.' 6 Hansen (R) announced he would be leaving the Foreigner, and guitarist Luis Maldonado (L) would take over as the band's lead vocalist. Tyler Golden/NBC via Getty Images 6 Foreigner members (L-R) Bruce Watson, Michael Bluestein, Hansen, Maldonado, Chris Frazier, Jeff Pilson, with Carson Daly (C). Tyler Golden/NBC via Getty Images Advertisement Maldonado added that he was ready to step up to the plate and 'honor Foreigner's legacy.' 'This music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I'm ready to honor Foreigner's legacy and bring my heart to every performance,' Maldonado said. Founding member and guitarist Mick Jones is the only original member of Foreigner to remain with the band. However, the 80-year-old rockstar has not performed live with the band since 2023. 6 Hansen and Foreigner perform at the Sleep Train Pavilion on Sept. 18, 2007, in Concord, California. Getty Images Advertisement 'In 1976, my goal was to assemble the finest group of musicians I could find. Results have shown that it worked!' Jones said of Hansen's departure, according to Rolling Stone. 'Kelly Hansen is one of the best frontmen 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.' Hansen will put down the mic for good as the band's frontman at the end of their current summer tour, featuring both him and Maldonado as vocalists. 6 Hansen performs with Foreigner at the Ascend Amphitheater on July 11, 2023, in Nashville, Tennessee. Getty Images Hansen's upcoming departure from the band caps off a 20-year run as Foreigner's vocalist after he replaced original lead singer, Lou Gramm — who left the group over creative differences, Billboard reported. In April, Gramm, 75, revealed he would be touring with Foreigner for one last run as the band and appeared as a special guest at their recent South American tour shows. Hansen did not join the band at those concerts due to scheduling issues, but he and Gramm have acknowledged their strained relationship, according to Billboard. 6 Hansen on stage at Ball Arena on June 25, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. Getty Images Advertisement Foreigner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in October 2024, including Jones, Gramm, the band's original drummer Dennis Elliott, bassist Ed Gagliard (who died in 2014), keyboardist Ian McDonald (who died in 2022), keyboardist Al Greenwood, and bassist Rick Wills. Hansen was not included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Current members include Maldonado, Bruce Watson, Michael Bluestein, Chris Frazier, and Jeff Pilson. Foreigner is on tour across North America through November and will celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2026.
Metro
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Lead singer of legendary 80s band announces shock departure on live TV
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The lead singer of Foreigner, Kelly Hansen, is leaving the band after nearly two decades. Hansen, 64, shared the news live on the finale of The Voice last night, revealing that guitarist Luis Maldonado will take over as frontman. While appearing on The Voice finale, Foreigner performed several of the band's massive hits, including Feels Like the First Time and I Want to Know What Love Is, before announcing the big news. Hansen told the screaming crowd: 'After 20 magical years performing with this band, this will be my last year with Foreigner. This summer, a new great voice will sing these songs for you, my friend Luis Maldonado.' 'Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors of my life,' Hansen said in a later 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.' Maldonado added, 'This music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I'm ready to honor Foreigner's legacy and bring my heart to every performance.' Fans on social media reacted quickly to the news, with X user @Karine_BJ writing: 'Sad news 😢 Kelly Hansen did an amazing job keeping the legacy alive. Fantastic frontman and singer! 👌👏' We've teamed up with SXSW London to give away two pairs of Music Festival Wristbands valid for 2-7 June 2025. Headliners include Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems, Brit Award-winning artist Mabel, Crystal Castles's Alice Glass, and East London-based R&B artist NAO, plus emerging talent set to perform at showcase acts around Shoreditch. Click here to find out more about SXSW London's incredible events and how to enter to be in with a chance to win, or simply enter your details using the form below. *T&Cs apply. You have until midnight on Sunday 25th May 2025 to enter. Good luck! * Open to legal residents of Great Britain (excluding Northern Ireland) aged 18 or over. Promotion opens at 06:01 BST on 13 May 2025 and closes at 23:59 BST on 25 May 2025. The promotion is free to enter; however internet access is required. Entrant must visit and when prompted by the form, submit their name, email, telephone number, date of birth and postcode. Acceptance of the terms and conditions (by ticking the relevant checkbox) is necessary to enter the promotion. 1 entry per person. 1 prize available per person. There will be two (2) winners. Each winner will win two (2) Full Week (6 days) Music Festival Wristbands (each such wristband worth £99) granting secondary access to Official SXSW London Music Festival showcases valid from 2 until 7 June 2025. Proof of age and photographic ID is required for entry (18+). The prize, including entry and attendance at SXSW, is subject to and governed by the SXSW's full ticket terms and conditions here. Full T&Cs apply, see here. @RobertCazar agreed: 'He is an amazing singer and stage leader. He gave Foreigner a new lease of life when they lost Lou Gramm.' @The_Rock_Oracle posted: 'He deserves to go out on his terms, he was instrumental in helping Foreigner find their audience again, replacing an all-time legend, Lou Gramm. The odds were against it, but they did it. Wish him the best!' Mick Jones is the only founding member who currently plays with the band. The 2025 lineup includes Maldonado, Bruce Watson, Michael Bluestein, Chris Frazier, and Jeff Pilson. Jones, 80, added in a statement about the band's latest transition: '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.' He added: '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.' The band was founded in 1976 by guitarist Mick Jones, vocalist Lou Gramm, drummer Dennis Elliott, keyboardist Al Greenwood, bassist Ed Gagliardi, and multi-instrumentalist Ian McDonald. With Gramm leaving the band over creative differences in the early 2000s, Hansen joined Foreigner in 2005. More Trending The band, who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its formation next year. Their current tour will feature both Hansen and Maldonado on stage in a symbolic handoff. Foreigner is one of the most successful rock bands ever, achieving massive commercial success in the late 1970s and 1980s, blending hard rock with pop sensibilities. They've sold over 80million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time, and produced a string of iconic hits, including I Want to Know What Love Is, Cold as Ice, Hot Blooded, Urgent, and Juke Box Hero. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. 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