In a surprise television appearance, longtime Foreigner lead vocalist Kelly Hansen announced he will be stepping down from the legendary rock band at the conclusion of their summer 2025 tour, after two decades fronting the group. The emotional revelation came during a special segment on NBC‘s “The Voice,” where Hansen also introduced his chosen successor, Luis Maldonado.
Hansen, who joined Foreigner in 2005, has played a crucial role in revitalizing the band’s live presence, bringing their iconic catalog of hits to new generations of fans worldwide.
“Being the voice of Foreigner has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” said Hansen during 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.”
Foreigner leader, founder, and guitarist Mick Jones expressed his gratitude for Hansen‘s contributions and his confidence in Maldonado. “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,” Jones stated. “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 further elaborated on Maldonado‘s capabilities: “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.” Jones also reminisced about forming the band in 1976 with the goal of assembling the “finest group of musicians,” a vision he felt was successfully revived when, encouraged by Jason Bonham some thirty years later, he formed the new version of Foreigner that included Hansen.
The band’s ongoing 2025 tour will serve as a transitional period, featuring both Kelly Hansen and Luis Maldonado on stage in what is described as a symbolic handoff. This period of change coincides with major milestones for Foreigner, including the upcoming 50th anniversary of their formation in 1976. As Rock And Roll Hall Of Famers, Foreigner continues an enduring legacy with anthems like “Juke Box Hero,” “Cold As Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” “Feels Like The First Time,” “Urgent,” and the worldwide No. 1 hit, “I Want To Know What Love Is,” which consistently see massive airplay and over 15 million streams per week.
Foreigner – Upcoming Tour Dates 2025-2026:
June 2025:
- Jun. 11 – Highland, CA – Yaamava’ Theater
- Jun. 12 – Del Mar, CA – San Diego County Fair 2025
- Jun. 14 – Scottsdale Ranch, AZ – The Pool at Talking Stick Resort
- Jun. 15 – Tucson, AZ – The Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
- Jun. 18 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre
- Jun. 20 – Reno, NV – Reno Ballroom
- Jun. 21 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live Sacramento
- Jun. 26 – Arnolds Park, IA – VIB Acoustic with Foreigner Members
- Jun. 27 – Arnolds Park, IA – Arnolds Park Amusement Park
- Jun. 29 – Council Bluffs, IA – Stir Concert Cove-Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel
July 2025:
- Jul. 4 – Windsor, ON – The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
- Jul. 5 – Windsor, ON – The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
- Jul. 9 – Winnipeg, MB – Princess Auto Stadium
- Jul. 11 – Prior Lake, MN – Lakefront Music Fest 2025
- Jul. 12 – Chippewa Falls, WI – Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds
- Jul. 22 – York, PA – York Expo Center
- Jul. 24 – Columbus, OH – Ohio Expo Center & State Fair
- Jul. 25 – West Bend, WI – Washington County Fair Park & Conference Center
- Jul. 26 – Mount Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort
- Jul. 29 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center
- Jul. 30 – Doswell, VA – SERVPRO presents Atlantic Union Bank After Hours
August 2025:
- Aug. 2 – Cherokee, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
- Aug. 4 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion
- Aug. 5 – Cohasset, MA – South Shore Music Circus
- Aug. 8 – North Lawrence, OH – Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park
- Aug. 10 – Rockford, IL – Coronado Performing Arts Center
- Aug. 11 – Cedar Rapids, IA – McGrath Amphitheatre
- Aug. 13 – Lincoln, NE – Pinewood Bowl Theater
- Aug. 15 – Hammond, IN – The Venue at Horseshoe Casino
- Aug. 16 – Gibson City, IL – Sangamon Ave
- Aug. 28 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum
- Aug. 30 – Palmer, AK – Alaska State Fair Inc
September 2025:
- Sep. 5 – Brookville, NY – Tilles Center – Krasnoff Theater
- Sep. 11 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond 2025
- Sep. 12 – Lampe, MO – Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater
- Sep. 14 – Louisville, KY – Bourbon & Beyond 2025
- Sep. 16 – Corbin, KY – The Corbin Arena
- Sep. 20 – Verona, NY – Turning Stone Resort Casino
- Sep. 21 – West Springfield, MA – The Big E 2025
October 2025:
- Oct. 3 – Durant, OK – The Grand Theater – Choctaw Casino & Resort
- Oct. 4 – Durant, OK – The Grand Theater – Choctaw Casino & Resort
- Oct. 10 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
- Oct. 11 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
- Oct. 21 – St. John’s, NL – Mary Browns Centre
- Oct. 23 – Sydney, NS – Centre 200
- Oct. 24 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre
- Oct. 25 – Moncton, NB – Avenir Centre
- Oct. 27 – Montréal, QC – Place des Arts – Théâtre Maisonneuve
- Oct. 28 – Ottawa, ON – TD Place
- Oct. 29 – Kingston, ON – Slush Puppie place
- Oct. 30 – Sudbury, ON – Sudbury Arena
November 2025:
- Nov. 1 – Sault Ste. Marie, ON – GFL Memorial Gardens
- Nov. 2 – Thunder Bay, ON – Thunder Bay Community Auditorium
- Nov. 5 – Medicine Hat, AB – Co-op Place
- Nov. 6 – Cranbrook, BC – Western Financial Place
- Nov. 7 – Kelowna, BC – Prospera Place
March 2026 (Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre):
- Mar. 6 – Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre
- Mar. 7 – Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre
- Mar. 11 – Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre
- Mar. 13 – Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre
- Mar. 14 – Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre
