One Direction fans are getting their first look at Building the Band, a new singing competition marking singer Liam Payne’s final television appearance before his tragic death last year.
Netflix released the trailer this week for the upcoming Love Is Blind-style competition, where artists audition for each other without meeting.
Instead of being judged on appearance or stage presence, contestants build their bands based solely on “musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and raw talent,” according to the show’s description.
“It’s so hard, because we can’t see each other,” one contestant says in the trailer, as the singers are shown separated in sound booths.
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But of course, the real test comes when the blinders come off after choosing their group and things like appearance, choreography, and style come into play.
“People could say, I don’t want a plus-size girl in my group, and then they’ll miss out on the fact that I’m a great singer,” one contestant says, worried about how appearance might impact her chances.
The series is hosted by Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean.
Former Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger serves as mentor and judge.
Guest judges include Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland and the late Liam Payne of One Direction, a group Scherzinger formed when she was a judge on The X Factor UK.
Building the Band wrapped filming before Payne’s death in October 2024. As previously reported, the singer was found dead after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Netflix says Payne’s family reviewed the series and supports his inclusion.
The 10-episode show is produced by Remarkable Entertainment, Banijay UK, with Cat Lawson, Alison Holloway, Katrina Morrison, Clara Elliot, and Simon Crossley serving as executive producers.
Building the Band premieres July 9, with new episodes dropping every Wednesday.
Watch the trailer below.
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