After nearly five decades in the music industry, FOREIGNER frontman Kelly Hansen has announced that he will leave the legendary rock band following their summer 2025 tour.

The singer confirmed his decision in an interview with People, sharing heartfelt reflections on his career, the impact of the pandemic, and his plans for life after music.

A Farewell Announced on ‘The Voice’

Fans first learned of Hansen’s departure during FOREIGNER’s performance on the May 20 season finale of NBC’s The Voice. During the show, he officially passed the torch to guitarist Luis Maldonado, signaling the start of a new era for the band.

It was a symbolic and emotional moment — one that marked both the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for FOREIGNER, whose legacy spans nearly five decades of arena-filling rock anthems.

Finding Clarity During the Pandemic

In his People interview, Hansen revealed that the idea of stepping away from the band first came to him during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time in years, he was forced to slow down and spend extended time at home — a period that reshaped his perspective on what he wanted from life.

“I started to have the sense of being home,” he explained. “I started to say, ‘Wow, this is something I haven’t had in my life for a very long time. I had this feeling of what it’s like to be home and also with a sense of, I feel I have some kind of stability financially and otherwise, where I could start thinking about making a choice that’s different than what I’m doing. Although I love what I do, I’ve been in this business nearly 50 years, and I put in my time.’”

For Hansen, that period of quiet reflection helped him recognize that he was ready to move on from the relentless pace of touring — something he has been doing for most of his adult life.

A Shift in Priorities

The veteran rock singer went on to describe how his mindset has evolved after decades of dedication to his craft.

“I think that Americans, in a way, have a work ethic that says, work till you die,” Hansen noted. “And I thought to myself, I’ve traveled the world, I’ve seen a lot of places, I’ve seen a lot of cultures and I’ve experienced how other people in other countries approach living and the style of living. I said to myself, I want to enjoy and live my life. I have many other passions and pursuits.”

That statement reflects a mature and grounded outlook — one rooted in gratitude rather than exhaustion. After years of success on the global stage, Hansen now wants to experience the simple joys of life that were often out of reach due to his demanding schedule.

Life Beyond the Stage

Looking ahead, Hansen said he’s content to embrace a quieter, more balanced lifestyle. While some musicians struggle to transition away from the spotlight, the FOREIGNER vocalist insists he’s at peace with the decision.

“I really am not troubled by living a smaller life,” Hansen said. “I really am not. I mean, I’ve lived, my whole life has been loud music and bright lights and a lot of sh-t and I spent a lot of my time trying to avoid f-cking landmines, and I don’t want to have to do that. I just want to live my life with my friends and my family and just dig it.”

The statement — raw, candid, and unapologetically human — shows a performer ready to step away not because of burnout, but because he’s found something even more valuable: peace of mind.

A Legacy of Voice and Vision

Kelly Hansen joined FOREIGNER in 2005, taking over the microphone from the band’s iconic original singer Lou Gramm. Over the past two decades, he’s helped rejuvenate the band’s legacy, bringing powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence to every performance.

With Hansen at the helm, FOREIGNER maintained its reputation as one of classic rock’s most reliable touring acts — performing hits like “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Cold as Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” and “Juke Box Hero” to sold-out audiences around the world.

Under his leadership, the band reached new generations of fans while preserving the spirit that made FOREIGNER a cornerstone of 1970s and 1980s rock.

The Future of Foreigner

While Hansen’s departure will undoubtedly mark the end of a defining era, FOREIGNER is expected to continue touring beyond 2025 with Luis Maldonado stepping in as lead vocalist.

Maldonado, who has been part of the band’s lineup for several years, brings both talent and passion to the role — and Hansen himself expressed confidence in the guitarist’s ability to carry the torch forward.

The “farewell” tour in 2025 will likely serve as a celebration of Hansen’s contributions and FOREIGNER’s enduring influence in rock history. Fans can expect emotional performances and an atmosphere of gratitude as Hansen bids farewell to the stage that’s defined so much of his life.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

For many fans, Hansen’s decision feels bittersweet. While it’s difficult to imagine FOREIGNER without his commanding vocals, there’s also a deep sense of respect for his honesty and self-awareness.

After nearly five decades of relentless touring, he’s choosing happiness over obligation — and in doing so, he’s setting an example for artists everywhere about knowing when it’s time to take a bow.

As Hansen put it best, he simply wants to enjoy life “with [his] friends and [his] family and just dig it.”