Netflix’s latest music competition series arrives with an unexpected emotional weight. “Building the Band,” premiering this July, features the late Liam Payne in what would become his final television appearance — a bittersweet reminder of his lasting impact on the music industry.
The show, which wrapped filming shortly before Payne’s untimely passing last October, doesn’t just rehash the tired formulas we’ve seen a thousand times before. Instead, it takes a genuinely fresh approach that feels oddly perfect for our post-pandemic world of digital connections and virtual relationships.
Think “Love is Blind” meets “The Voice,” but with an innovative twist that actually makes sense. Contestants must form their musical groups based purely on vocal chemistry, sequestered in individual booths without ever seeing each other face-to-face. No staged drama, no manufactured conflicts — just raw talent finding its natural harmony.
The judging panel reads like a who’s who of group performers who’ve actually been there, done that, and probably still have the tour t-shirt. Nicole Scherzinger brings her Pussycat Dolls experience, while Kelly Rowland offers insights from her Destiny’s Child days. AJ McLean of Backstreet Boys fame keeps things moving as host, though you’ve got to wonder if he’ll slip in a few “everybody, rock your body” references along the way.
For Payne, this show represented something deeper — a chance to come full circle. After all, this was a guy who knew firsthand how a singing competition could transform someone’s life. That fateful moment when Simon Cowell grouped him with four other contestants on “X Factor” led to One Direction’s meteoric rise, fundamentally changing pop music for a generation of fans.
Netflix has handled the delicate situation of airing the show after Payne’s death with surprising grace. They’ve worked closely with his family, who’ve reviewed and endorsed the series — no small consideration given the media circus that followed his passing. It’s refreshing to see a network prioritize sensitivity over sensationalism.
The show’s release schedule feels deliberately paced, with three weekly batches of episodes starting July 9 and concluding July 23. This format should give viewers time to digest the genuine moments of connection and creativity that emerge when artists have nothing to rely on but their musical instincts.
As we approach mid-2025, “Building the Band” stands as more than just another entry in Netflix’s growing catalogue of competition shows. It’s a testament to the power of pure musical chemistry and a touching farewell to an artist who understood better than most how the right combination of voices could create something truly magical.