Liam Payne's sister 'heartbreak' over brother's final TV show Building the Band

Yahoo

3 days ago

Liam Payne's older sister Ruth has shared her devastation over her brother's final TV appearance on Building the Band saying: "He never got to see how great he is in this show."
Building the Band is streaming on Netflix from July 9, nine months after the One Direction singer died aged 31 following a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina in October. He rocketed to fame as a member of boyband One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan on The X Factor in 2010.
The One Direction star's loyal fan base have applauded Netflix for "honouring" the star's memory.
Payne's "family reviewed the series and is supportive of his inclusion [in Building the Band]," Netflix has said in a statement.
Now his older sister has shared her pride on Instagram, having watched the series early. Praising her "star" brother, she wrote: "I didn't know whether to share this but it felt weird when I've raved about Liam's work and achievements for the last 15 years. I'm heartbroken he never got to see how great he is in this show.
"He knew he had done a good job, we all told him this when we were at filming, but watching it back, wow... You're a star Liam, you always were and always will be. There are a range of emotions I felt watching this, but one of the main ones is immeasurable pride. always."
His sister Nicola shared Building the Band had given her the chance to feel close to him after his death."Over the years I've shared many achievements and momentous occasions as a proud sister and I couldn't be prouder of this show and I know you are so proud too," she wrote on Instagram.
"Watching this over the past few months has given me/us a way to still feel close to you and see you at your best and I'm so glad the world gets to see it all now too. You truly are a shining star, miss you more than words can say, love you more than that. I'm so sad your not here it's not fair!"
Building the Band is The Voice meets Love Is Blind where aspiring musicians are put together in a group but the twist is that they have never met one another let alone performed together.
"All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit," the synopsis read. "What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come into play?"
This marked Payne's final TV project — one that was special because it took him back to his One Direction days on The X Factor but this time he was a judge mentoring those competing.
In the trailer you can watch below, the singer gave contestants thoughtful advice. He said: "I need to see that connection between you guys."
Watch Building the Band trailer
Payne also reflected on his own One Direction journey and how it differed to those taking part. "How these bands are put together is not normal. We were not put together that way," he explained.
Payne reunited with Nicole Scherzinger who helped mastermind the band One Direction on The X Factor. Joining them, Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland stepped into the role of another judge while Payne's friend AJ McLean was the host of the singing contest.
Netflix are dedicating Building the Band to Payne.
In May, McLean told PEOPLE magazine: "The very last thing Liam did was work on this amazing TV show for Netflix called Building the Band, which will be out this summer. And we're dedicating the show to him.
"I got to really know him on a personal level and we had a lot of very similar life experiences, both in sobriety and out of sobriety."
Social media has been awash with praise for the decision to air the show in Payne's memory. Among the comments on Instagram, one person wrote: "Glad this is being shown in memory of Liam, still so sad he isn't here anymore."
Others agreed: "This is some of Liam's last work breaks my heart, but he's being honoured beautifully. Watching Liam shining like he's still walking amongst us is going to be so hard."
"This is the show we need! Trust that the late Liam Payne will be honored [honoured] and remembered."
"Least they r [are] still going thro [through] with it, as i read this qas [was] up in the air cos [because] Liam passed away. Im glad it is tho[ugh]."
Someone else said: "It is nice that Netflix is going to Release Building the Band. Liam Payne would've wanted his Fans to see what he worked hard on it's so sad that he is No Longer Here. I Liked his smile. He was a Handsome & Good Looking Guy RIP Rest in Peace Liam Payne Gone too soon."
Liam Payne started singing at a young age. (Talkback Thames/Shutterstock)
Many fans were overwhelmed with emotion. Beneath the official trailer, one wrote: "It aches my heart to know that I was there when the finale was filmed, standing in front of Liam in that stunning blue suit."
Others added: "This is going to be a hard, but necessary watch. We will get to see even more up close what a natural talent you were and how much charisma you had. We only needed more time. You are missed terribly Liam <3."
"Okay ... seeing and hearing Liam's voice deeply hurt my feelings. I know I am definitely going to shed tears with this show A LOT (I also cried with seeing this teaser:))))."
"Liam in the pink suit the day I met him!!! actually sobbing every time he comes on screen I can't."
Building the Band will be available to stream on Netflix from July 9.