Kelly Hansen Net Worth

What is Kelly Hansen's net worth?

Kelly Hansen is an American singer who has a net worth of $10 million. Kelly Hansen is best known for his two-decade tenure as the lead vocalist of Foreigner. A seasoned frontman with a powerful voice and high-energy stage presence, Hansen joined the legendary rock band in 2005 and helped revitalize their live performances and global presence. Taking over for original lead singer Lou Gramm, Hansen had the challenging task of honoring Foreigner's classic sound while making the role his own. Over 20 years, he became the band's defining voice for a new generation of fans. In 2025, Hansen announced his departure in dramatic fashion during a live performance on the season finale of NBC's "The Voice," marking the end of a remarkable chapter in the group's history.

Early Career and Musical Roots

Born on April 18, 1961, in Hawthorne, California, Kelly Hansen began his music career in the 1980s as a session vocalist before co-founding the hard rock band Hurricane in 1984. Hurricane gained a following in the glam metal scene with albums like "Take What You Want" and "Over the Edge," and the band's biggest hit, "I'm Onto You," received heavy rotation on MTV.

When Hurricane disbanded in the early 1990s, Hansen continued performing and recording with a number of bands, including Slash's Snakepit, Unruly Child, and Perfect World. He also worked as a producer and studio vocalist, gradually building a reputation as a reliable, versatile rock performer.

Joining Foreigner

In 2005, Hansen was invited to join Foreigner by founding guitarist Mick Jones, following Lou Gramm's departure. Hansen's vocal range and onstage charisma made him a natural fit, and he quickly won over fans who had long associated the band with Gramm's iconic vocals.

Under Hansen's leadership, Foreigner resumed touring aggressively. His live renditions of classics like "Cold As Ice," "Urgent," "Juke Box Hero," and "I Want to Know What Love Is" brought new vitality to the band's catalog. He also sang lead on the 2009 studio album "Can't Slow Down," Foreigner's first collection of new material in over a decade, which debuted in the top 30 on the Billboard 200.

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Revitalizing a Legacy

Hansen's arrival marked a turning point in Foreigner's later career. With him at the mic, the band sold out shows around the world and introduced their music to younger audiences. His performances were noted for blending vocal precision with showmanship, helping Foreigner maintain its status as a top live act well into the 2010s and 2020s.

In 2024, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with recognition given to original members like Mick Jones, Lou Gramm, Dennis Elliott, Ian McDonald, Al Greenwood, Ed Gagliard, and Rick Wills. Hansen, despite his long tenure, was not included in the induction, but continued to perform at a high level with the band throughout the year.

Departure Announcement

On May 20, 2025, Hansen stunned fans by announcing his departure from Foreigner during the season finale of "The Voice." After a performance of "Feels Like the First Time," Hansen shared the news: "After 20 magical years fronting this band, this will be my last year with Foreigner."

He then introduced his successor, guitarist Luis Maldonado, who joined him on stage to perform "Juke Box Hero" and "I Want to Know What Love Is." Hansen praised Maldonado, saying, "Luis has the voice, the energy, and the soul to carry these songs into the future."

Mick Jones called Hansen "one of the best frontmen in our business" and credited him with breathing new life into the band's live shows. Hansen's final performances with Foreigner will conclude at the end of the band's current summer tour.

Personal Life and Legacy

Although Hansen was not inducted with the original members of Foreigner into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, his two-decade run as the band's frontman remains one of the most successful second acts in classic rock. He helped keep Foreigner relevant during an era when many legacy acts faded from the spotlight, and he earned respect from fans for his faithful yet fresh renditions of the band's greatest hits.

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