Netflix’s ‘Building the Band’ Premieres Dedicated to Late Liam Payne

Netflix's new competition series Building the Band premiered with a heartfelt tribute to the late Liam Payne, the One Direction singer who tragically passed away in October 2024. Payne, who served as a guest judge alongside Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland, filmed his scenes before his death, and his family approved including his footage in the final show. The series innovatively combines a music competition with a Love Is Blind-style format, where contestants initially interact through a wall, connecting through their voices before meeting face-to-face. Host AJ McLean, who worked closely with Payne, described him as passionate, honest, and deeply committed to helping others find their voice. The first four episodes are currently streaming on Netflix, with additional episodes scheduled for release later in July. The show honors Payne's legacy, showcasing his love for music and the impact he had on those around him.