Key Points

Netflix's upcoming music competition show "Building The Band" will feature the late Liam Payne as a guest judge with his family's blessing. The series, hosted by AJ McLean, includes mentors like Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland. Payne had already filmed his segments before his untimely passing in 2024. The show promises emotional performances and high-stakes drama as contestants compete to form the next great band.

Key Points: Liam Payne to Appear as Guest Judge on Netflix's Building The Band

  • Payne filmed episodes before his tragic death in 2024
  • Show hosted by AJ McLean with Nicole Scherzinger as mentor
  • Kelly Rowland also joins as guest judge
  • Contestants compete to form a new band
2 min read

'Building The Band' to feature late Liam Payne as guest judge

Late One Direction star Liam Payne will feature posthumously in Netflix's new music competition show with family approval.

"Liam Payne's family reviewed the series and is supportive of his inclusion. - Netflix Spokesperson"

Washington, June 12

Netflix has provided a sneak peek into its upcoming talent discovery series, 'Building The Band', scheduled for release on July 9, 2025.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show will include late One Direction member Liam Payne as a guest judge, following the approval of his family after his tragic passing.

Liam Payne, who met a tragic end in October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, will still be featured in the new music competition show.

After his untimely death, the show's producers and Payne's family deliberated over his participation, ultimately deciding to proceed with his inclusion. "Liam Payne's family reviewed the series and is supportive of his inclusion," a Netflix spokesperson confirmed.

'Building The Band' is set to be hosted by AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys, with Nicole Scherzinger from The Pussycat Dolls serving as a mentor-judge.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child will also appear as a guest judge.

Before his death at the age of 31, Payne had already been named to the judging panel and had participated in the show's filming at Aviva Studios in Manchester, England, in August 2024.

The initial trailer for 'Building The Band' does not explicitly reference Payne or detail any changes made to honour his legacy.

The competition format is designed to challenge musicians to compete for a spot in a newly formed band.

As per The Hollywood Reporters, participants will rehearse separately in individual booths, assessing each other's musical compatibility and merit without meeting face-to-face until their performances before a live audience.

The producers of the series promise an exciting blend of performances, emotional drama, and the quest to discover the next great music band.

"What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography and style come into play? With incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal, to find the next great music band, the stage is set for an unforgettable experience," the producers wrote in the synopsis, as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.

'Building The Band' will air over three weeks, with two episodes released on July 9, July 16, and July 23.

The series is executive produced by Cat Lawson, Alison Holloway, Katrina Morrison, Clara Elliot, and Simon Crossley.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya K.
As a huge One Direction fan, this is bittersweet 😢. I'm glad Liam's family approved his appearance - it'll be like one last performance from him. But I hope the show handles his memory with respect and doesn't just use it for ratings.
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Rahul S.
Interesting concept but feels a bit strange to have a deceased judge. Will they edit his parts carefully? The Indian music reality shows are much more emotional and raw - this seems too polished. Still, might watch for AJ McLean!
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Ananya P.
The format sounds fresh! Reminds me of Indian Idol but with a band twist. Though I wonder how fair it is to judge without seeing each other first - in India, stage presence is half the battle! 🤔
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Vikram J.
Not sure how I feel about this. Liam's death was so tragic, and now he's being used in a reality show? At least wait a couple years out of respect. Our Bollywood shows would never do this so soon after someone passes.
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Sneha M.
The concept is interesting but the judges panel is too 2000s! Where are the fresh faces? In India we have young, current artists judging shows. Still, will probably watch for the nostalgia factor 🎤
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Karan R.
As someone who grew up with One Direction, this feels like closure. Hope they dedicate an episode to Liam's legacy. The Indian fanbase for these artists is massive - Netflix should consider regional subtitles for better reach!

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