Aalith Rose Larsen, Cameron Goode, Donzell Taggart, and Katherine Reorder from the group SZN4 were photographed together in Los Angeles on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, while promoting the show Building the Band. AP.
Netflix’s latest reality series Building the Band has become a touching farewell to singer Liam Payne. The show features his last major on-screen appearance before he passed away in October. He died after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina, shortly after filming wrapped. Now, his moments on the show carry even more meaning.
A Unique Music Show
Building the Band puts a new spin on music competitions. Instead of judges forming the bands, 50 unknown singers form their own groups. They listen to each other perform but never see faces. This blind format leads to real chemistry and surprise matches. Contestants choose their bandmates based on talent alone. The show starts with 50 singers and narrows down to six final bands. The winning group gets a $500,000 prize.
Liam’s Role on the Show
Liam joined the show as a guest judge. He offered advice, shared stories from his One Direction days, and encouraged young singers. He appeared first in episode seven, where the bands performed in front of a live crowd. He made everyone laugh, saying, “We were amazing dancers, obviously, in One Direction,” after a group hesitated to dance.
One of the singers, Mason Watts, told Liam he got front-row tickets to a One Direction concert when he was just 11. That moment pushed him to dream of joining a band. Liam smiled and thanked him. It was a special moment for both.
Remembering Liam's Kindness
Liam’s impact didn’t stop after filming. He kept checking in with the producers and judges to see how the bands were doing. He even talked about mentoring some groups once the show ended.
“He was just honest,” said Kelly Rowland, one of the show’s judges. “He called everything out before anyone else could.” Contestants say he left a big impression on them.
Landon Boyce from Soulidified said Liam encouraged them to enjoy the moment. “I remember Liam just said, ‘Have fun,’” Boyce shared. Another band member said they were thrilled when Liam offered to join their group as a joke, calling it a dream come true.
Bands Formed on Talent, Not Looks
The show lets artists connect through music, not appearances. Judges say traditional record labels often form groups based on style or image. This show proves real talent can come from unexpected combinations.
“You only get one shot now,” said host AJ McLean. “This show lets them take control and build something real.”
What’s Next?
Episodes are still airing. Viewers are waiting to see which band gets eliminated next. Two bands, Midnight ’til Morning and Siren Society, are at risk. The next batch of episodes will reveal who stays and who goes.
The show opens with a message honoring Liam and his family. Everyone involved said they feel lucky to have worked with him during his final project.
