Liam Payne will make a posthumous appearance on the upcoming Netflix series, Building the Band. A talent competition with a twist reminiscent of Love is Blind, the show aims to form musical groups based solely on compatibility and merit.
This intriguing series was filmed last year and is scheduled to premiere during 2025. Liam, best known for his role as part of the internationally-acclaimed group One Direction, will be featured as a guest judge alongside pop icons Kelly Rowland from Destiny's Child and Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls.
Sadly, this project marks one of Liam's final endeavors. Netflix confirmed the show just days before the tragic announcement of his death on October 16, 2024. The 31-year-old singer's untimely demise occurred after he fell from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Hotel located in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Emergency responders found him unconscious, and he was later pronounced dead from multiple traumatic injuries, including internal and external hemorrhaging. Investigators revealed the presence of several substances, including cocaine and benzodiazepines, at the time of his death.
The format of Building the Band revolves around contestants who will join and rehearse with their future bandmates without ever meeting them, prioritizing musical chemistry over physical appearance. Netflix teased, “The singers are in complete control as they seek to form their very own bands... All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit.”
This innovative approach mirrors how One Direction was brought together on The X Factor back in 2010. Nicole Scherzinger, who played a pivotal role during their formation as one of the judges, cherishes her relationship with Liam, stating, "I will forever cherish and treasure the time we shared together, from 15 years ago when One Direction was born, right up until just a few weeks ago."
Netflix expressed their condolences over Liam's passing and emphasized their commitment to honor his legacy through the series, assuring fans there would be no rush to release it. They aim to capture Liam at his best, showcasing who he was both as an artist and mentor shortly before he left this world. A spokesman for Netflix shared, “Everyone involved is devastated and their heart goes out to his family. There is no rush or pressure to release the series.”
While the series' release window appears cautiously optimistic, Netflix is also working closely with Liam's family to navigate honoring his memory seamlessly within the show's narrative. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how they honor his impactful contributions to music.
Adding another layer to the posthumous narrative, Liam's collaborator, Sam Pounds, announced he would be postponing the release of their track, Do No Wrong, to give Liam's family space to reflect and mourn. Initially intended to debut soon after Liam's passing, Pounds stated it was important for the singer's family to "mourn in peace and in prayer."
Meanwhile, several people have been charged in connection to Liam's untimely death, including his friend Roger Nores and staff at Casa Sur Hotel, who are accused of manslaughter and supplying narcotics. This shocking turn of events has unfolded as the Public Prosecutor's Office continues its investigation, highlighting the circumstances surrounding such tragedies.
The remaining members of One Direction are expected to come together for the BRIT Awards, marking what would be their first performance since Liam's passing. Reports suggest talks are underway to create unforgettable tributes to honor their late bandmate, stirring anticipation among fans who cherish their collective legacy.
The show, which carries the weight of both potential and sentimentality, benefits from the heightened expectation of how it can serve as both entertainment and homage to one of pop music’s significant figures. Although the exact premiere date remains uncertain, Building the Band promises to be not just another music competition but also a heartfelt remembrance of Liam Payne's lasting impact on his fans, friends, and the industry.