In a poignant announcement, has confirmed the late Liam Payne will be featured in their upcoming talent show Building the Band later this year.
The former One Direction star, who tragically died last October at the age of 31 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, will feature in the TV show as a guest judge.
He will be seen alongside Destiny’s Child icon Kelly Rowland in the innovative series that aims to assemble a pop group with candidates who do not meet face-to-face.
Premiering later in 2025, Building the Band was announced by last year, before Liam’s untimely death.
The format promises to captivate audiences as it mirrors Love is Blind’s premise but focuses on musical synergy and charisma rather than physical attraction, reports
Liam will make a guest appearance in Netflix’s new show (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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tantalized fans with a description that read: “The singers are in complete control as they seek to form their very own bands in individual ‘booths’ without ever seeing each other. All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit.”
Fans are left to wonder how the dynamic will shift when the musicians finally come together and incorporate aesthetics and performance style.
added: “What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come into play? With incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal – to find the next great music band – the stage is set for an unforgettable experience.”
had initially postponed the show’s release, which was filmed weeks prior to Liam’s death.
A source revealed at the time that the streaming platform had not discarded the project, stating: “It is too soon to make a decision, but the show has definitely not been shelved. Filming was completed at the end of summer. will sit down with Liam’s family when the time is right to speak about the series and when it could be released.”
The One Direction star died last October (Image: Getty )
“Everyone involved is devastated and their heart goes out to his family. There is no rush or pressure to release the series. It would simply be a beautiful tribute to Liam and capture him at his best in the months before his death.”
The series, hosted by AJ McClean of the Backstreet Boys and featuring Nicole Scherzinger as a mentor and judge, is included in the line-up for this year, but a precise release date remains pending.
Nicole Scherzinger previously encountered Liam during his 2010 audition on The X Factor, where she played a role in forming One Direction. The show was among Liam’s final projects prior to his untimely passing.
Furthermore, he collaborated with Sam Pounds on a song titled Do No Wrong. Sam Pounds, an artist from North Carolina, delayed releasing the song to allow Liam’s family time to “mourn in peace and in prayer”.
The star appeared as a guest on the talent show which will air later this year (Image: Instagram)
Liam tragically died after plummeting from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A post-mortem examination determined that the singer had died instantly from the fall, which resulted in “multiple traumatic injuries” and subsequently led to “internal and external haemorrhage”.
Earlier this week, rumours circulated that One Direction would reunite at the BRIT Awards to honour Liam.
An insider revealed to The Sun: “The tribute to Liam at this year’s awards show has caused a real buzz and speculation that the remaining One Direction bandmates could finally come back together again on stage.
“It would be an entirely fitting way to honour Liam and talks are already under way about how to make this segment of the BRITs unforgettable.”