Netflix’s upcoming talent show Building the Band will feature a posthumous appearance from One Direction’s Liam Payne, who tragically passed away last October at the age of 31. As part of the streaming service’s 2025 lineup, fans will have the chance to see the late singer in action one final time as a judge on the competition. Building the Band follows aspiring singers competing to form the next big music group, with contestants relying on musical compatibility and chemistry to decide if they’ll join forces.
Liam Payne’s role as a judge was filmed before his untimely death, and he worked alongside fellow judges Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child and Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls. The show also features Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean as the host.
While many fans are eager to see Liam once more, others are torn by the news. Some expressed that it would be difficult to watch him on screen, knowing he is no longer with us. “I’m not sure if I would be okay watching him being on that show, knowing he’s not here anymore,” one fan said on X. Another wrote, “How are we supposed to watch this? We’ll see him laughing and having fun, and we’ll be drowning in tears over his absence.”
However, some fans expressed gratitude for the opportunity to witness Liam’s last project. “For a little while, we’ll see him again,” wrote one hopeful fan, while another said, “I’m very happy to be able to watch the process, even though Liam is no longer with us.”
As the investigation into Payne’s tragic passing continues, his legacy and the emotional impact of Building the Band will undoubtedly resonate with fans. While the release date has yet to be announced, anticipation is building for this heartfelt tribute to the late artist.