Liam Payne will be featured in an upcoming Netflix talent competition series, Building The Band, months after his tragic death in Argentina. The former One Direction star had filmed his role as a guest judge alongside Kelly Rowland, the renowned singer and former member of Destiny’s Child.
The show, which follows aspiring musicians as they form bands without initially seeing one another, was initially announced in September 2024, just weeks before Payne’s sudden passing. His appearance on the series now takes on an emotional significance as one of his final professional projects.
Netflix has confirmed that Building The Band will be released later this year as part of their 2025 content lineup. The announcement was made at an event showcasing the streaming giant’s upcoming TV and film slate.
The show will be hosted by AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys, with Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger serving as both a mentor and judge. Scherzinger has a personal connection to Payne, as she was one of the judges on The X Factor UK in 2010, the competition that launched One Direction. She was instrumental in the formation of the boy band that would go on to achieve global superstardom.
In addition to his appearance on Building The Band, Payne had been working on new music before his passing. One of his final projects was a collaboration with North Carolina singer Sam Pounds on the track Do No Wrong.
The song’s release was delayed in the wake of Payne’s death, with Pounds explaining that he wanted to give Payne’s family the time and space to grieve privately. The decision was widely respected by fans, who continue to mourn the loss of the beloved artist.
Payne’s funeral was held in November in Buckinghamshire, England, drawing attendance from some of the most important figures in his life. Cheryl, the singer and former X Factor judge with whom Payne shared a son, Bear, was present to pay her respects.
His former One Direction bandmates—Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson—also attended, reuniting under heartbreaking circumstances. The gathering of all five members underscored the deep bond they shared despite having gone their separate ways in their careers.
Meanwhile, an investigation into Payne’s death remains ongoing. Authorities in Argentina are still looking into the events that led to his fatal fall from a hotel balcony at the age of 31.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Buenos Aires has charged five individuals in connection with his death, including Roger Nores, a close friend of Payne, as well as the hotel manager and a receptionist, all of whom face manslaughter charges.
Additionally, a hotel employee and a waiter have been charged with supplying cocaine. The case has drawn international attention as investigators work to piece together the circumstances of that tragic night.
In the UK, legal proceedings regarding Payne’s passing have also begun. Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court held an initial hearing in December 2024 to determine the cause of death.
The inquest, however, was adjourned, with a pre-inquest review now scheduled for November 6, 2025. These legal proceedings will be crucial in providing Payne’s family, friends, and fans with a clearer understanding of what happened and whether any further legal action will be taken.
As for Building The Band, Netflix has yet to announce an official release date. The show, once intended to be an exciting showcase of emerging talent, will now serve as a poignant reminder of Payne’s enduring influence on the music industry.
His fans, while devastated by his passing, will no doubt be eager to see him in one of his final appearances, celebrating the very art form that first made him a star.
