BUILDING THE BAND: Netflix’s Bold Music Competition Featuring Late One Direction Star Liam Payne
Netflix is set to debut Building the Band, a riveting new music competition series that challenges contestants to create harmonies, connections, and bands—without ever setting eyes on one another. Hosted by AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys, the show brings together acclaimed artists as mentors and judges, including Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland. But what’s drawing major attention is the inclusion of the late Liam Payne, marking his final
🎬 What Is Building the Band?
The format is simple yet groundbreaking: singers perform solo in soundproof booths, selecting fellow vocalists to form a band based purely on musical compatibility—no visuals, no image, just pure talent. Once chemistry is established, they meet, rehearse, and showcase their group. The series unfolds across 10 episodes, released in three weekly drops starting July 9, 2025.
🗓 Release Schedule
Netflix has revealed its premiere strategy:
-
Week 1 (July 9): Episodes 1–4
-
Week 2 (July 16): Episodes 5–7
-
Week 3 (July 23): Episodes 8–10
🤝 The Star-Studded Panel
-
Host: AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys)
-
Mentor/Judge: Nicole Scherzinger (Pussycat Dolls), fresh off her Tony win
-
Guest Judges: Kelly Rowland (Destiny’s Child) and Liam Payne (One Direction
💔 A Poignant Farewell for Liam Payne
Liam Payne tragically passed away in October 2024 after falling from a Buenos Aires hotel balcony at . He filmed Building the Band in August 2024—just months before his death. Netflix consulted with his family, who supported keeping his appearance in the show. The series is even officially dedicated to Payne, highlighted by heartfelt remarks from AJ McLean, who praised their shared journey and Payne’s unwavering
🧠 Why Building the Band Stands Out
What differentiates this series?
-
Blind Selection: Contestants pick partners based solely on voice—no visual bias, no preconceived notions
-
Focus on Chemistry: The show tests whether musical synergy can outweigh image, aligning with Netflix’s experimental reality lineup.
-
Emotional Arc: Viewers experience the joy, surprise, and drama as strangers form bands sight unseen.
🎥 First Look: Trailer Released
Netflix dropped a teaser revealing singers choosing teammates by audio alone—complete with emotional reactions and the moment when one contestant performs Labrinth’s “Jealous” to a blind audience. The trailer confirms Payne’s active role and presence.
📌 Cultural and Industry Impact
For fans of Liam Payne, this marks a bittersweet but meaningful last chapter. It’s a respectful tribute, a celebration of his artistry—and a final performance meant to inspire. AJ McLean emphasized at 90s Con: “The very last thing Liam did was work on this amazing TV show… we’re dedicating the show to him.
From an entertainment perspective, Building the Band merges musical talent, reality show drama, and emotional resonance—a powerful recipe in today’s streaming world. It taps into Netflix’s growing genre of alternative competition shows, appealing to fans of franchises like The Voice, Love Is Blind, and Making the Band.
🎧 Final Thoughts
Building the Band promises a refreshing take on music competitions—shifting the focus from visuals to voices and from personas to pure connection. With AJ McLean’s charm, Scherzinger and Rowland’s seasoned guidance, and Liam Payne’s final performance, the series is poised to be both emotionally impactful and entertaining.
As bands form, break, and bond without seeing each other, Building the Band invites viewers to ask: Can sound alone shape a superstar group—and honor a rising star’s legacy?
Mark your calendars:
-
Start date: July 9, 2025
-
Format: 10 episodes, released weekly over three weeks
Get ready to experience competition—and connection—in its purest form. And prepare to witness a heartfelt send-off for Liam Payne, whose final creative endeavor lives on in this unique musical odyssey.
Terkuma Anagh