Godwin ObajeLiam Payne’s final television appearance will be unveiled in Netflix’s upcoming music competition series Building the Band, with the blessing of the late singer’s family.
The former One Direction star, who died in October last year aged 31, appears as a guest judge in the new show, which is set to premiere its first four episodes on 9 July. The remaining instalments will follow on 16 and 23 July.
Netflix confirmed Payne’s participation in a press release earlier this week, stating that his family had “reviewed the series and [was] supportive of his inclusion”.
Filmed before his death, Building the Band features aspiring musicians placed in isolated booths where they can only hear, not see, their fellow contestants. Based solely on musical connection and chemistry, they must decide who they want to form a band with—without any visual cues.
“All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit,” reads the official synopsis. “What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography and style come into play?”
Payne appears alongside fellow guest judge Kelly Rowland, formerly of Destiny’s Child. The series is hosted by Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean, while Nicole Scherzinger takes on the role of mentor and judge.
In a newly released trailer, one standout moment sees a contestant perform Labrinth’s emotional ballad Jealous, prompting another singer to say she’s “falling in love.”
Fans have responded with a mixture of excitement and grief at the chance to see previously unaired footage of Payne. “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.”
Another posted: “I’m not ready,” while a third commented: “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.”
AJ McLean previously spoke about his connection with Payne during an appearance at 90s Con in March, reflecting on their shared experiences in the music industry. “We connected on a personal level—both in sobriety and out of sobriety,” he said.
Following Payne’s death, Grammy-winning producer Sam Pounds announced a delay to the release of Do No Wrong, a planned posthumous single. “Today I’m deciding to hold Do No Wrong and leave those liberties up to all family members,” Pounds wrote 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.”
Payne’s posthumous involvement in Building the Band is expected to be a poignant tribute to the singer’s enduring passion for music, and a final gift to the fans who supported him throughout his career.
Godwin Obaje
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