Netflix' ‘Building the Band' is Liam Payne's final project: What to expect from the new series

Yahoo

18 hours ago

Netflix's new talent competition Building the Band drops on July 9 — and already, this series about forming the next hot music group feels bittersweet. The series marks One Direction alum Liam Payne's last project before his death at age 31, with many fans of Payne's likely tuning in for a glimpse at the late singer.
The show is an ideal fit for Payne, who is one of the judges on the competition series. Payne skyrocketed to fame after competing on U.K.'s The X Factor in 2010, initially as a solo artist. He was then teamed with future One Direction members Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik by judges Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger during the show's boot camp stage. The rest, of course, is history.
Now the world will see if history repeats itself with Building the Band. Will Netflix's competition series create a band that rivals One Direction's success? It's possible, but that question, and Payne's final appearance, isn't the only reason to tune in: This series puts a major, never-before-done twist on singing competition shows. Here's what to know.
Netflix cultivated romantic relationships without contestants ever seeing each other on Love Is Blind — and now, the streamer is bringing that same energy to Building the Band. At the beginning of the series, contestants will compete in individual booths. The singers will then decide — based solely on talent and potential musical chemistry — who they want to form a band with.
From there, Netflix said the six newly formed groups will meet face to face. That's when the real drama unfolds, with people butting heads over lead singer titles and racing against the clock to nail a stellar performance for the judges.
'What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come into play?' Netflix posed in a statement. 'With incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal — to find the next great music band — the stage is set for an unforgettable experience.'
After the bands form, the show will have them face off against one another until only one group remains to be crowned winner.
The series will drop episodes over three weeks, per Netflix.
July 9: Episodes 1 through 4
July 16: Episodes 5 through 7
July 23: Episodes 8 through 10
Check out the trailer below:
Building the Band's judges and host all have stacked résumés. AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys will emcee the series and provide guidance and mentorship to the upcoming artists.
Meanwhile, the series reunites Payne with Scherzinger, who, in addition to her X Factor hosting gig, is a former member of the Pussycat Dolls and a recent Tony Award winner. Rounding out the judges is Destiny's Child alum Kelly Rowland, who also previously judged The Voice U.K. Just like McLean, the judges will provide mentorship to the competitors as they move through the different phases of the show.
Following Payne's death in October 2024, Scherzinger shared a photo of herself, Payne and Rowland to Instagram, writing, 'It was such a blessing to get to work with you recently. We shared the same love and passion for music and I will forever remember the meaningful and joyful conversations we had.'
In an interview with TV Insider, McLean reflected on his relationship with Payne, noting the similarities of their 'similar paths' in the entertainment industry. He called the 'Strip That Down' singer an 'absolute sweetheart.'
'I hope that for his fans and for his family that people take away from this who he truly was. He was a light that lit up every room he walked into,' McLean said. 'He was so talented outside of being a member of one of the biggest groups of the world. As a solo artist, as a songwriter, as a producer. He wore his heart on his sleeve.'
He added, 'We all got to see him for who he truly was and we got to experience the best of him, and I hope what everyone takes from this show is the best version of him because that's what you'll see.'
Meanwhile, Building the Band executive Cat Lawson told Deadline that Payne was a 'glorious person' whose death was a 'huge shock' to those working on the series. 'The show is dedicated to him and that is absolutely right,' she said. 'We all loved him and I think he was amazing in the show.'
Though Payne died in 2024, Netflix confirmed that Payne's family 'reviewed the series and is supportive of his inclusion.'
This week Nicola Payne, Payne's 37-year-old sister, shared her feelings about the series in an Instagram post following the drop of the series trailer. '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 added that watching the series over the past few months has given the family 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,' she wrote.
Payne's sister Ruth Gibbons echoed the sentiment, writing in her own Instagram post that she is heartbroken he never got to see 'how great he is in this show.'
'You're a star, Liam, you always were and always will be,' she added. 'There are a range of emotions I felt watching this, but one of the main ones is immeasurable pride always. Miss you more everyday.'
Payne died on Oct. 16, 2024, in Buenos Aires after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel. Argentine officials reported that he suffered severe internal and external injuries and was likely under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time. No foul play was reported.
Five people were initially charged in connection with Payne's death: four hotel employees and Roger Nores, a friend of Payne's who was staying with him. Nores, as well as hotel employees Gilda Martin and Esteban Grassi, had their charges dismissed in February of this year, per Rolling Stone, following an investigation into whether their actions, or lackthereof, made them responsible for Payne's death.
Employees Ezequiel Pereyra and Braian Paiz, who are accused of selling Payne drugs that may have played a role in his balcony fall, remain behind bars until their trial.