Liam Payne’s Final Project: Netflix Set to Release “Building The Band” as a Posthumous Tribute
Despite the tragic passing of Liam Payne in October 2024, Netflix is reportedly moving forward with the planned release of “Building The Band,” the talent show the former One Direction star filmed prior to his death. The series, which features Payne as a judge alongside music icons Kelly Rowland and Nicole Scherzinger, is now anticipated to air in 2025 and is increasingly being viewed as a poignant tribute to his legacy within the music industry.
“Building The Band” was filmed in the UK during the summer of 2024 and centers around the premise of discovering talented singers and forming the next great music group. The unique format of the show involves aspiring pop stars forming bands based solely on musical compatibility, connection, chemistry, and merit, initially without even seeing each other. This “blind audition” style for bandmates aims to prioritize genuine musical synergy over image and superficial factors. Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean is set to host the series, guiding the contestants through the process.
Liam Payne, who himself rose to fame through a similar talent show format on The X Factor and experienced the unique dynamic of forming a globally successful band, was expected to bring invaluable insight and expertise to the judging panel. His firsthand experience of the journey from solo contestant to band member made him uniquely qualified to assess the chemistry and potential of the aspiring artists on “Building The Band.”
Following Payne’s sudden and unexpected death, the future of the show was initially uncertain. Reports indicated that Netflix was carefully considering how to handle his posthumous appearance, working closely with his family to ensure a respectful and appropriate approach. There were even suggestions that his screen time might be reduced to avoid causing further distress to loved ones and fans.
However, with Netflix confirming the show’s release as part of their 2025 content slate, it appears the series will move forward with Payne’s contributions intact. While an exact release date has yet to be announced, the anticipation surrounding “Building The Band” is growing. For many fans, it will offer a final opportunity to see Liam doing what he loved, sharing his passion and knowledge of the music industry with a new generation of aspiring artists.
The show’s concept, focused on genuine musical connection, aligns with the collaborative spirit Payne experienced during his time in One Direction. His presence alongside Kelly Rowland and Nicole Scherzinger, both veterans of successful groups themselves (Destiny’s Child and The Pussycat Dolls respectively), creates a compelling dynamic of experienced mentors guiding fresh talent.
As “Building The Band” gears up for its release on Netflix, it is poised to become more than just another talent competition. In the wake of Liam Payne’s passing, the show now carries the weight of being one of his final projects, a testament to his enduring passion for music and his desire to nurture new talent. For his fans and the wider music community, it promises to be a bittersweet but ultimately celebratory viewing experience, a chance to honor his legacy by witnessing him in a role that undoubtedly brought him joy.