Netflix has officially confirmed that Liam Payne will still appear on its upcoming music competition series Building the Band, despite his tragic passing in October 2024. The late One Direction singer will serve as a guest judge on the show, which is set to premiere in summer 2025. Filmed before his untimely death, this project marks one of Payne’s final public appearances and celebrates his enduring passion for music.
Liam Payne’s Legacy Lives On Through Building the Band
Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Bela Bajaria reconfirmed Payne’s involvement during the streamer’s 2025 upfront presentation. Alongside Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland, Payne had already wrapped up his participation in the show, which centers around forming a pop group without any of the members meeting face-to-face. The streaming giant reaffirmed this lineup on its Tudum website, noting that each star brings “unparalleled expertise and personal band experience to the competition.”
Payne’s role as a guest judge means he won’t appear in every episode, but his presence will still be felt. Scherzinger will serve as a full-time judge and mentor, while Rowland joins Payne as a guest judge. Hosting duties fall to Backstreet Boys alum AJ McLean, who also paid a heartfelt tribute to Payne, calling him “a light of joy and laughter and comedy and fun and sincerity.”
A Unique Reality Twist Inspired by Love is Blind
The concept of Building the Band brings a fresh spin to the music competition genre. According to Netflix, the show is styled like Love Is Blind, but for music. Contestants will form bands without seeing each other, relying solely on “musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit.”
“They’re in individual booths and can’t see one another,” the show’s official description explains. “What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come into play?”
The show will conclude with three live finale episodes that were filmed at Aviva Studios in Manchester back in August.
Emotional Tributes From Scherzinger and McLean
After Payne’s death, Nicole Scherzinger shared a heartfelt message on Instagram. “Dear Liam, I will forever cherish and treasure the time we shared together, from fifteen years ago when One Direction was born, right up until just a few weeks ago,” she wrote. “It was such a blessing to get to work with you recently. We shared the same love and passion for music.”
AJ McLean echoed these sentiments in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, recalling his time with Payne. “This was one of the final things that Liam did before his tragic passing,” he said. “It was an honor getting to share a stage with him, to get to know him the way I did… He is in a much better place… no longer in pain.”
Netflix and Payne’s Family in Agreement
Netflix executives have made it clear that Payne’s family was involved in the decision to move forward with the show. Brandon Riegg, the streamer’s head of unscripted, confirmed that they had been in touch with Payne’s loved ones about his appearances.
Executive producer Cat Lawson previously called the project “a brave and bold undertaking” and added, “With limited bands, there are difficult decisions and heart-stopping moments along the way, but ultimately the outcome is truly amazing.”
A Final Farewell on a Global Stage
Liam Payne died at age 31 after falling from a third-story balcony at the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires. The news sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and celebrities alike. His former One Direction bandmates released a statement saying, “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing… The memories we shared will be treasured forever.”
Building the Band now stands as a final testament to Payne’s musical legacy. With a summer release on Netflix, fans around the world will get the chance to see Liam doing what he loved most—nurturing new talent and sharing his passion for music. Stay tuned to TVSeasonspoilers for more updates and the latest news.