Netflix Going Ahead With Talent Show In Which Liam Payne Was As Guest Judge

Max Goldbart
·1-min read

Liam Payne, who died last year after falling off the balcony of a hotel, will still likely be seen as guest judge in upcoming Netflix talent contest Building the Band.

Netflix unscripted chief Brandon Reigg said at the streamer’s Next on Netflix event that the company was in touch with Payne’s family as it pushes on with Building the Band, in what was the former One Direction star’s last major TV appearance.

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Payne was guest judge on Building the Band alongside Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland and Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger. Produced by Banijay-backed Remarkable Entertainment, the show is a Love is Blind-style talent contest in which singers form their own band without being able to see each other. The series culminated in three live shows that were filmed in late August in front of an audience at Aviva Studios in Manchester. Payne’s fans flocked to watch the recording, with some posting on social media about meeting the singer.

Netflix greenlit and wrapped the show prior to Payne’s death and had faced a dilemma over whether to proceed when he died last October. However, Building the Band was confirmed on the streamer’s 2025 slate.

In a few weeks’ time, the Brit Awards is understood to be planning a tribute to 31-year-old Payne, with reports speculating that the remaining members of One Direction could reunite on stage for the first time since their split a decade ago.

Payne died after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires. Five people have been charged in connection with his death.

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