'Building the Band' brings Liam Payne’s legacy to life in emotional final appearance

Netflix’s ‘Building the Band’ marks the final television appearance of singer Liam Payne, who tragically passed away in October 2024. The late One Direction member had taken on the role of mentor and guest judge in the music competition series, which brings his journey in the world of music full circle, from global boy band fame to guiding the next generation of artists.

The show, filmed shortly before his death, premiered on July 9, 2025, and serves as a heartfelt tribute to Payne’s passion for music and his legacy in the entertainment industry.

A return to where it all began

Payne, who rose to global stardom alongside Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson on ‘The X Factor’ in 2010, returned to the format that launched his career, this time on the other side of the stage. As a guest judge on ‘Building the Band’, he helped guide contestants through a new format of talent discovery, one based not on looks, but on sound, chemistry and instinct.

The 31-year-old, best known for his solo hit “Strip That Down,” was reportedly so moved by his experience on the show that he expressed a desire to continue working with the bands beyond filming, according to a source quoted by PEOPLE in October 2024.

What is ‘Building the Band’?

Netflix’s ‘Building the Band’ is a reality competition that begins with 50 vocalists placed in individual sound booths. Without seeing one another, the singers are tasked with selecting bandmates purely based on voice and musical connection. From this blind process, six bands emerge.

In later episodes, the newly formed bands live together and work in studio sessions with Payne and fellow judges. The journey culminates in a 10-episode series where only one band remains.

Cat Lawson, the show’s executive producer, told Deadline that the idea behind ‘Building the Band’ was rooted in the belief that in an increasingly frightening world, light-hearted entertainment like a singing competition can bring much-needed joy, and that the show aimed to shift control from industry-created groups to the artists themselves.

Notably, the show does not promise a cash prize or a record deal. Instead, it offers winners an international platform to launch their music careers.

Who are the judges and host?

Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean hosts the series and offers mentorship to contestants throughout. “Building the Band is the brand new music competition where singers pick their bandmates—without ever laying eyes on ‘em first,” McLean wrote on Instagram ahead of the premiere. “The talent blew me away… and it’s gonna blow you away too.”

Alongside Payne, the judging panel includes Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland, both seasoned performers and mentors in the music competition circuit. Scherzinger had previously worked with Payne during his ‘X Factor’ days and played a pivotal role in the creation of ‘One Direction’.

Reflecting on her time with Payne on the show, Scherzinger wrote 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… I will forever remember the meaningful and joyful conversations we had.”

In a sit-down interview with Billboard, she said that ‘Building the Band’ felt like Payne’s "happy place" and that watching him mentor young singers was "really beautiful."

“He’s with us in spirit,” Scherzinger shared. “I know how proud he was of this show and I know the joy that he got from doing this show.”

Filming wrapped before tragedy struck

The show was greenlit in May 2024 and wrapped filming in October 2024, just before Payne’s death. According to Deadline, the final three episodes were filmed live in Manchester, England, in August 2024, just after Payne’s 31st birthday. Fans in attendance serenaded the singer following the last taping.

Payne died on October 16, 2024, after falling from the third floor of the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. His sudden death shocked the music world and devastated fans across the globe.

Honouring Liam Payne’s Legacy

Following conversations with Payne’s family, Netflix moved forward with the series. The first episode begins with a touching tribute.

“When we came together to film ‘Building the Band’, we never imagined we'd soon be saying goodbye to our friend Liam Payne,” host AJ McLean says in the opening.

“Liam is a guest judge in later episodes, and through his presence, we see his deep love for music and his unwavering commitment to helping others find their voice. It's through that spirit that we dedicate this series to Liam and his family.”

Lawson echoed the sentiment in an interview, “The show is dedicated to him and that is absolutely right… None of us saw this coming.”

Payne’s family approved the series before its release and supported his posthumous inclusion in the episodes.

When and where to watch?

‘Building the Band’ premiered on Netflix on July 9, 2025. The first four episodes are currently available to stream. Three additional episodes will be released on July 16, followed by the final three episodes on July 23.