Netflix has confirmed the summer premiere of Building the Band, a new music competition series that will mark Liam Payne’s final on-screen appearance. Filmed in July 2024 and delayed following Payne’s sudden death that October, the show has now been cleared for release with the support of his family.

The concept behind Building the Band is straightforward but original. Fifty unsigned musicians are invited to form bands (not based on looks or social presence), but by listening alone. Contestants perform from individual booths, and team formation happens without visual contact. Once assembled, each band enters rehearsals and prepares to compete under the guidance of a judging panel that includes Nicole Scherzinger, Kelly Rowland, and Payne.

Though the format echoes the blind selection method made popular by shows like The Voice, the stakes here are different. The show isn’t focused on individual stardom, but on collaboration and long-term potential. It’s a reminder that while solo talent is critical, the ability to blend, adapt, and compromise is equally important in band dynamics, something Payne understood from experience.

In the official trailer, Payne is seen speaking to contestants with clarity and calm. At one point, he reflects on his own career: “We weren’t put together that way,” he says, referencing the formation of One Direction on The X Factor in 2010, Payne was part of one of the most commercially successful pop acts of the last two decades, formed by producers rather than organically.

After One Direction went on hiatus in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career, releasing several singles and his debut album LP1 in 2019. Though his post-band work saw chart success, his personal life became increasingly public. In interviews, Payne spoke candidly about his struggles with mental health, addiction, and the pressure of early fame. By the time Building the Band was filmed, he had reportedly been in recovery and working on both new music and more structured projects like this one.

According to those involved in the production, Payne was fully engaged throughout filming. Producer-director Simon Hay told Rolling Stone that he was “chatty and approachable,” and made an effort to connect with contestants and crew alike. Another staff member described him as “genuinely invested,” noting the impact of his mentorship on the young artists featured in the show.

There is no tribute episode, just the original format, released as intended. Still, Building the Band is now beyond a competition series, being also a final look at an artist in a moment of clarity.