Godwin ObajeLiam Payne to Appear in Posthumous Role on Netflix Talent Show ‘Building the Band’
Fans of the late Liam Payne are bracing themselves for an emotional watch as Netflix prepares to release Building the Band, the final TV appearance of the One Direction star.
The singer, who died in October 2024 aged 31, appears in the upcoming music competition series as a guest judge alongside former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland. Netflix has confirmed Payne’s family gave their blessing for the show’s release, having “reviewed the series and [been] supportive of his inclusion”.
Building the Band introduces a unique twist to the talent show format. Aspiring musicians are placed in individual soundproof booths and must choose who they want to form a band with—based solely on what they hear. They make these decisions without seeing each other, relying only on “musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit,” according to the show’s synopsis.
“What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography and style come into play?” the trailer teases.
A sneak peek at the series, released on 11 June, showed a singer performing Labrinth’s “Jealous”, prompting an emotional reaction from a fellow contestant: “I’m falling in love.”
The series, hosted by Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean and mentored by Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, is set to launch in three batches. The first four episodes premiere on 9 July, followed by new episodes on 16 and 23 July.
Fans have taken to social media to express both excitement and heartache at seeing Payne on screen again.
“I’m glad it’s still being released,” one fan wrote on X. “This way we can still see Liam’s genuine love for music and helping people.”
“I’m not ready,” another user admitted, while a third said: “Heartbreaking to see Liam Payne in this posted. It’s going to be his final project forever. I’m going to be crying my eyes out watching this show.”
McLean, speaking earlier this year at 90s Con, said he and Payne bonded over their shared boyband past and personal struggles. “We connected on a personal level, both in sobriety and out of sobriety,” he said.
Payne’s unexpected death last year sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow musicians. Plans for a posthumous single, “Do No Wrong”, were paused indefinitely by Grammy-winning producer Sam Pounds, who had worked with Payne on the track.
“Today I’m deciding to hold ‘Do No Wrong’ and leave those liberties up to all family members,” Pounds said in a statement on X. “Even though we all love the song, it’s not the time yet. We are all still mourning the passing of Liam and I want the family to mourn in peace and in prayer. We will all wait. With love, Sam Pounds.”
Building the Band offers fans a final, bittersweet glimpse of the artist’s passion and mentorship—an emotional tribute to a talent gone too soon.
Godwin Obaje
