Foreigner's New Lead Singer Takes the Stage

Luis Maldonado reflects on replacing longtime frontman Kelly Hansen and carrying on the band's legacy.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 3:30am

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It wasn't an easy decision for Luis Maldonado to take on the role of Foreigner's new lead singer, even though he was already the band's guitarist. Maldonado was hesitant to replace longtime frontman Kelly Hansen, who had announced his intent to retire after 20 years. But with the support of co-founder Mick Jones and original singer Lou Gramm, Maldonado has embraced the challenge of keeping Foreigner's music alive for fans.

Why it matters

Foreigner is one of the most iconic rock bands of the 1970s and 80s, known for their string of hit singles. Replacing a lead singer with such a strong connection to the band's legacy was a risky move, but Maldonado's passion for the music and support from the band's founders have allowed him to step into the role successfully.

The details

Maldonado was already Foreigner's guitarist when he was asked to try out for the lead singer position. He even went to Hansen multiple times, trying to convince him to reconsider retiring. But ultimately, Maldonado agreed to take on the role, motivated by a desire to keep the band together. Co-founder Mick Jones, who carefully selected each member of the band, approved Maldonado for the frontman job without even knowing it was him at first. Maldonado has also received support from original singer Lou Gramm, with the two taking turns as lead vocalist on a recent tour.

  • Foreigner's longtime lead singer Kelly Hansen announced his intent to retire last year after 20 years with the band.
  • Maldonado became Foreigner's new lead singer in 2025.

The players

Luis Maldonado

Foreigner's new lead singer, who was previously the band's guitarist. Maldonado was hesitant to take on the role at first, but was convinced by the support of co-founder Mick Jones and original singer Lou Gramm.

Kelly Hansen

Foreigner's longtime lead singer who announced his intent to retire last year after 20 years with the band.

Mick Jones

Co-founder, songwriter and former guitarist of Foreigner, who carefully selected each member of the band and approved Maldonado as the new lead singer.

Lou Gramm

Foreigner's original lead singer, who has supported Maldonado in the role and taken turns with him as frontman on a recent tour.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, we're in a really great place; it feels like the band is still growing. He was pretty clear on what he wanted to do, so I was like, OK, you've got to respect that … There's a point in life when you're like, 'I have to live my life.'”

— Luis Maldonado, Foreigner's New Lead Singer

“They're right up there with the original band. The band's in great hands.”

— John Lappen, Foreigner's Head of Marketing

“I was blown away that Mick believed in me and Mick chose me and said, 'You're the guy.' He's very meticulous, he's very careful. Even at its inception, Mick carefully chose every person to be in this group. And so when he offered it to me, I was like, 'OK, this guy believes in me; he believes I can do it, so I'm gonna do it.' That was a real big thing for me, was having his support.”

— Luis Maldonado, Foreigner's New Lead Singer

What’s next

Foreigner, with Luis Maldonado as the new lead singer, will continue their farewell tour with a stop at the Spokane Tribe Casino in Airway Heights, Washington on Friday.

The takeaway

Foreigner's transition to a new lead singer could have been a risky move, but with the support of the band's founders and a shared passion for the music, Luis Maldonado has stepped up to the challenge and is keeping the iconic rock band's legacy alive for fans.