Liam Payne to be seen as judge in Netflix talent show
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Netflix will release a talent show judged by One Direction star Liam Payne later this year, it has confirmed.
Building the Band was one of the last projects Payne worked on before he died at the age of 31 following a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, last October.
The singer filmed his role as a judge in the series alongside Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger.
Netflix has not announced a date, but confirmed the release as it revealed a raft of new TV and film content for 2025.
Building the Band brings together singers seeking to form their very own band, in a concept similar to Love is Blind as they are kept in separate booths without seeing each other.
The show’s synopsis says: “All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit… with incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal – to find the next great music band – the stage is set for an unforgettable experience.”
Backstreet Boys star AJ Mclean will host the series, with Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger taking on the role of mentor and judge on the show, while Payne and Rowland will appear as guest judges.
Scherzinger was a judge on The X Factor when Payne auditioned in 2010 as a solo contestant, before being grouped with Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson to form One Direction.
Payne’s former partner Cheryl, the mother to his son Bear, as well as his fellow One Direction bandmates, were among those who attended his funeral in Buckinghamshire in November.
An investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Argentina is continuing following his death.
Five people have been charged over his death, including the singer’s friend Roger Nores, the hotel’s manager, and a receptionist – who were all accused of manslaughter.
Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office previously said in a statement that a hotel employee and waiter have been charged with supplying cocaine.
A hearing to ascertain how Payne died, held at Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court in December, has been adjourned until a pre-inquest review on 6 November.
