Netflix have revealed that their newest talent show Building the Band will continue despite the death of Liam Payne just months prior. The former-One Direction star was one of three judges on the forthcoming show, alongside Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls and Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child.
The show was announced in August of last year, as the three judges were revealed alongside the show’s presenter, AJ McLean of The Backstreet Boys. However, since Payne’s passing in mid-October, following a fall from an Argentinian hotel balcony, Netflix failed to address whether the show would continue without the presence of Payne.
According to Netflix’s press release on the details of the show, they will aim to form “the next great music group” without its members seeing one another. The competition surrounding the formulation of the group will see its members placed together based solely on their “musical compatibility, connection, and, most importantly, merit.”
Netflix has now confirmed that “Building The Band”, the talent show in which Liam Payne appears as a guest judge will be released.
A release date has not been announced yet but it possibly could be released later this year. pic.twitter.com/4D6OOLvWNN
— Remembering Liam Payne (@updatingljp) January 30, 2025
Despite Netflix failing to address the show’s future at the time of Payne’s passing, during a special presentation in Los Angeles on Wednesday (January 29), Brandon Riegg (Vice President of Nonfiction Series and Sports), alluded to the ideal that the platform had no plans of neglecting the show, and it’s producers were working closely with Payne’s family, with more to be announced in the near future.
Building the Band was one of the ‘Teardrops’ singer’s last known projects before his passing, including a track with Sam Pounds, ‘Do No Wrong’. The posthumous track was intended to be released just two weeks after the singer’s passing but was eventually postponed out of respect for Payne’s mourning family and his fans.
Payne’s funeral was held in Buckinghamshire where singer Cheryl, his son Bear, fellow One Direction members and more mourned the death of the popstar. Since his passing, the Argentinian Public Prosecutor’s Office are continuing to investigate Payne’s death and the circumstances it surrounded at the Casa Sur Hotel. In light of the investigation, five people have been charged with his death – Roger Nores (Payne’s friend), the hotel manager, a receptionist – all accused of manslaughter, and a hotel employee and waiter charged with supplying cocaine.
As more information is revealed surrounding Payne’s death, the potential future release of both ‘Do No Wrong’ with Sam Pounds and Building the Band, highlight methods made for Payne’s musical legacy to remain at the forefront of the industry and his fan’s minds.
