Netflix's Building the Band Premieres with Tribute to Late Liam Payne

Netflix's new music competition series Building the Band premiered with a heartfelt tribute to the late Liam Payne, who served as a guest judge before his tragic death in October 2024. Hosted by AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys, the series dedicates itself to Payne's memory, highlighting his passion for music and commitment to helping others find their voice. Although Payne's judging scenes were filmed prior to his passing, he appears in later episodes, with initial episodes featuring a tribute but limited screen time. Fans expressed deep emotional reactions to the tribute, sharing their difficulty in watching the show knowing Payne is no longer alive. The show, which challenges musicians to form bands based solely on musical compatibility before seeing each other, also features Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland as judges. Building the Band thus serves as both a groundbreaking competition and a celebration of Payne's enduring musical spirit.