"This will be my last year with Foreigner": Foreigner's vocalist Kelly Hansen announces departure from the band

Kelly Hansen, the lead vocalist of British-American rock band Foreigner, announced his departure on the season finale of The Voice. Hansen joined the band in 2005 and has sung for them for more than two decades. After the band performed their version of Feels Like the First Time, Kelly Hansen addressed the crowd and said:

"After 20 magical years fronting this band, this will be my last year with Foreigner. At the end of this summer, a new great voice will sing these songs for you; my friend Luis Maldonado."

He added:

"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."

Kelly Hansen invited Luis Maldonado to the stage, where they performed two songs together: Juke Box Hero and I Wanna Know What Love Is.

Kelly Hansen passes the torch to Luis Maldonado

The 64-year-old Foreigner lead vocalist introduces Luis Maldonado to the audience by performing together with him. Maldonado joined the British-American rock band four years ago in 2021. He also had a few words to say to the audience. Maldonado said:

"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."

Before joining Foreigner, Maldonado was a guitarist for the American pop band Train. Coming back to Kelly Hansen leaving the band, the lead vocalist did not reveal the exact reason for his departure, and neither did his band members.

Fans react to Foreigner's The Voice performance with Luis Maldonado

The official account @nbcthevoice posted a clip of Foreigner's performance at the reality singing competition, including Kelly Hansen's announcement of departing from the band. Fans responded positively, welcoming the new lead singer.

Have a look at what some of them had to say:

"Great to see this passed on to a new singer that can perform these classics for the next generation or two. Get over the whole 'it's not the original band'. Be grateful that we have amazing musicians who will perform these amazing songs for the next 20 or 30 yrs. Blessed and thank you." - @berischosenfew wrote.

@berischosenfew also added:

"All the best Kelly as you are a huge part in keeping the Foreigner magic alive and moving forward into the next 20 or 30 yrs. All the best to the new singer and see you in Australia soon."

Another user said:

"Luis Maldonado 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 great voice 🔥🔥 ❤️❤️" - @milebet_rf commented.

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Kelly Hansen's departure from the band marks the end of an era, but the singer himself welcomes a new beginning for Foreigner by introducing Luis Maldonado as the new lead singer. Fans have expressed their sadness, as well as appreciation for the last 20 years Hansen has performed for them.

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