Luis Maldonado Leads Foreigner: ‘Mick Jones Chose Me’

Luis Maldonado carries himself with the quiet confidence of someone who knows where he’s going. He doesn’t chase his future; he simply steps into it.

This rock veteran, now the voice of the legendary band Foreigner, recently shared his incredible story. He told a prominent entertainment publication that his journey began far from the bright lights, in Nogales, Sonora. From a young age, he felt music call to him. It wasn’t a grand plan or a hunger for fame. Instead, it was a series of natural moments that clicked into place, like stars lining up in the night sky.

Maldonado’s family roots spread across Mexico; his mother hailed from Guadalajara, and his father from Hermosillo. Born in Nogales, he moved to Arizona as a child. By age 14, his family settled in California, where he still lives today. His love for music sparked early and quite literally. At just seven, he carved his name, “Luis,” into his dad’s acoustic guitar. His dad wasn’t thrilled at first, but soon bought him an electric one. From then on, playing, singing, and learning instruments came naturally. He grew up soaking in 70s and 80s rock – Queen, The Who, The Beatles, and yes, even Foreigner. He also trained his ear with classical music and anything that sounded powerful and soulful.

The path to center stage didn’t start under spotlights. It began in local bars. During their tours, Maldonado, guitarist Bruce Watson, and keyboardist Michael Bluestein would set up impromptu acoustic shows on their days off. They called these evenings “V.I.B.: Very Important Beer.” What started as casual serenades slowly grew into packed sessions. Luis soon found himself singing everything, including many Foreigner classics. He remembers two years of these growing gigs, where he sang more and more.

One thing led to another, and before he knew it, Maldonado was touring intensely with Foreigner for years. The biggest shift came when Kelly Hansen, the lead singer for two decades, decided to leave. Luis had already filled in for Hansen when needed, making him the obvious choice to take the microphone full-time. That’s when the big question came: What if he became the permanent lead singer?

Support for Luis came first from the band’s crew and his fellow musicians. The final, undeniable nod came from Mick Jones himself. Maldonado recalls, “When Mick asked me, I knew it was something serious.” This was a huge deal. Jones, the band’s founder, songwriter, and the guardian of Foreigner’s sound, is known for hand-picking every member. After that conversation, the transition moved quickly. Luis took on full shows as the main vocalist, playing less guitar and commanding the stage. The audience’s enthusiastic response cemented the decision. “I didn’t think they would accept me so readily. It has been huge, a real honor.”

Bringing Foreigner Classics to Life in Spanish with Joy Huerta

The idea of a Latin tour touched a deep part of Maldonado. With upcoming shows in Mexico and South America, the band decided to record Spanish versions of their hits as a thank you to their fans. Maldonado embraced this task with the same passion he brings to the stage. He carefully translated the lyrics “word for word,” making sure the Spanish versions carried the same emotion as the originals.

The song “Quiero saber si es amor,” a Spanish version of “I Want to Know What Love Is,” was recorded entirely in Spanish. “Urgent” and “Cold As Ice” became bilingual tracks, featuring Spanish verses but keeping their original English choruses. This was a clever way to honor the classics without changing them too much. The results were immediate and powerful. The studio video quickly racked up millions of views, and Spanish choruses echoed through crowded venues. Maldonado says it “awakened” something inside him. He confessed, “It’s more than just Latino pride. It’s the power of music connecting with people. It truly moved me.”

This cultural bridge — being a Mexican-American leading a major English-speaking rock band — is a big part of his mission. He wants to “represent Spanish music and language well.” This isn’t just a marketing ploy; it’s a deeply held belief. Maldonado avoids talking about his own ego. He repeats that he isn’t seeking to be a “celebrity” or chasing fame. His true guide is different: “If I dedicate myself to music with a pure heart, music creates space for me to live my life.” His words show gratitude, and his schedule reflects hard work. “It’s constant. Sometimes it makes me tired, but when you love what you do, it isn’t work.”

Offstage, his life also has a musical rhythm. He is married to Ana, a professional cellist who has performed with many artists. Together, they are parents to 11-year-old Lucía. Their daughter already has her own bass guitar, practices daily, figures out songs by ear, and sings naturally. Will she follow in her parents’ footsteps? With a proud father’s smile, he answers, “She has that artist spirit. We’ll see when she turns 18.”

Maldonado’s musical past includes some impressive stops. He spent years with the band Train, first as a composer, then joining as a guitarist. He also has cherished memories of working alongside Lisa Marie Presley. He remembers her fondly, calling her “a good human, very simple and kind. Working with her felt like being with family.” He recalls rehearsals at Graceland, in the very room where Elvis’s band practiced, special concerts, and moments he didn’t fully appreciate at the time. “When you think about it later, it really sinks in. It was wonderful. We miss her very much.”

Now firmly established as Foreigner’s lead singer, Maldonado sees no limits ahead. This role doesn’t hold him back; it helps him grow. He continues learning, recording new music, and gracing more stages. His mission is clear: to honor a rock legacy with respect, fresh energy, and honesty. Perhaps that’s why his story connects with so many. It began with scratching a guitar, continued by singing in a bar, and landed him where many only dream, all while staying true to himself. From Nogales to the world, Luis Maldonado sings just like he lives: with his heart leading the way.

https://youtu.be/X8fT5To_IkU?si=Bw2LAhhrFKrxHfT