Foreigner performed last night on the season finale of NBC's The Voice, doing a medley of “Feels Like the First Time,” “Juke Box Hero” and “I Want To Know What Love Is.”
But it was what happened between the first two songs that's the story as Kelly Hansen, their singer since 2005, announced he's stepping down after their summer tour. Their guitarist, Luis Maldonado, who then sang "Juke Box Hero" and filled in for Hansen on their just completed Central and South American tour, will take over. They ended the medley by sharing vocals on "I Want To Know What Love Is."
Hansen says, "Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors 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.”
Foreigner founder and former guitarist Mick Jones, who is sidelined by Parkinson's disease, adds, “In 1976, my goal was to assemble the finest group of musicians I could find. Results have shown that it worked! About 30 years later, [drummer] 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 20 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 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, who joined Foreigner after five years in Train, 2016 to 2021, says, "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.”
Foreigner start their summer tour on June 11th in Highland, California, and theyll perform at Lucas Oil Live at Winstar in Thackerville,Oklahome on October 4th. n
Hansen is Foreigner's fourth singer following:
- Lou Gramm: 1976–1990, 1992–2003, and special appearances in 2017, 2018, 2024, and 2025
- Johnny Edwards: 1900-1992
- Chas West: 2004