Liam Payne is set to feature in Netflix’s upcoming talent show Building the Band later this year, in what will be his last TV appearance. The former One Direction star tragically died in October last year at the age of 31 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Netflix has announced that the new series will premiere later in 2025, with Liam appearing as a guest judge alongside Destiny’s Child icon Kelly Rowland. Building the Band, which was revealed by the streaming giant last year before Liam’s untimely death, will see a group of hopeful pop stars come together to form a band without ever meeting face-to-face, reports the Mirror.
The concept seems akin to Love is Blind, with Netflix saying: “The singers are in complete control as they seek to form their very own bands in individual ‘booths’ without ever seeing each other. All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit.
“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.”
Netflix had previously postponed the launch of the competition, which was filmed just weeks before Liam’s death. At the time, an insider remarked: “It is too soon to make a decision, but the show has definitely not been shelved. Filming was completed at the end of summer. Netflix will sit down with Liam’s family when the time is right to speak about the series and when it could be released.
“Everyone involved is devastated and their heart goes out to his family. There is no rush or pressure to release the series. It would simply be a beautiful tribute to Liam and capture him at his best in the months before his death.”
AJ McClean from Backstreet Boys is hosting the show, with Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger acting as a mentor and judge.
The programme is part of Netflix’s lineup for this year, though an exact release date has not yet been set. Nicole Scherzinger, who was on The X Factor judging panel when Liam auditioned in 2010 and even had a hand in forming One Direction, is involved in the show.
Building the Band was among the final projects Liam worked on prior to his untimely demise. He also laid down one last track with Sam Pounds, titled Do No Wrong.
North Carolina artist Sam Pounds held back the release of the song, stating his wish for the One Direction member’s family to “mourn in peace and in prayer”.
Liam tragically lost his life after plummeting from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A post-mortem examination revealed that the singer’s death was instantaneous, caused by “multiple traumatic injuries” resulting in “internal and external haemorrhage”.
Recently, it emerged that One Direction is rumoured to reunite at the BRIT Awards to pay a heartfelt tribute to Liam.
A source confided in The Sun: “The tribute to Liam at this year’s awards show has caused a real buzz and speculation that the remaining One Direction bandmates could finally come back together again on stage. It would be an entirely fitting way to honour Liam and talks are already under way about how to make this segment of the BRITs unforgettable.”