Building the Band on Netflix honours Liam Payne’s legacy through voice-first music competition

Building the Band premiered on Netflix on July 9, 2025, introducing a new format in reality music competitions. The show’s first four episodes are now available, with episodes 5–7 set to release on July 16 and the finale episodes (8–10) arriving on July 23.

Designed around voice-first auditions and band-building strategies, the series features 50 contestants competing for a $500,000 prize—without a guaranteed record deal. What makes Building the Band stand out is its focus on blind interactions.

Contestants perform and form bonds based only on voice, without ever seeing each other until later stages. As the series progresses, alliances shift, bands are formed under pressure, and performers must choose strategy or trust.

The show also carries personal weight marking Liam Payne’s final appearance before his passing in October 2024. A former X Factor UK contestant and member of One Direction Payne returned to this competition format not just as a mentor but as someone guiding the next generation through the same journey he once took.

With a mentorship panel that also includes AJ McLean, Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland; Building the Band aims to rethink how music competition shows are built—and how new talent can emerge from them.

Blind auditions set the tone for early strategy in Building the Band

 

 

 

 

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The first phase of Building the Band focuses on blind auditions. Contestants perform one by one from soundproof pods while the rest listen anonymously. No one can see the performer, and the audience is limited to the other contestants. Each listener can press a button if they feel a connection with the performance. A performer needs at least five button presses to move forward.

One contestant received 26 button presses, becoming a frontrunner early on in Building the Band. These button counts later influence who contestants are allowed to voice chat with as they begin forming bands. Voice-only connections create early bonds, but with limited time to act, decisions are often strategic.

Players are told they must join or create a band before six total bands are formed—otherwise, they’re out of the competition. The show uses this setup to challenge image-based first impressions. One contestant said it was hard to build trust without seeing the other person.

Another shared that hearing someone’s voice and emotions felt stronger than looks. By the end of episode 4, most contestants were trying to make connections fast, knowing they had to join a group soon or they would be out of the show.

Liam Payne’s mentorship shapes the show’s message

Liam Payne’s role in the show is more than just being a guest. He shares advice from his own journey as someone who started in a similar competition. He talks to the contestants about how to work well in a group, handle pressure and stay focused while building a music career.

This show is also important because it was Liam’s last filmed project before he passed away in October 2024. In the early episodes he spoke about finding a balance between being yourself and being part of a team. His advice was honest and meant to help contestants prepare for the real challenges of the music world.

The other mentors—Nicole Scherzinger, Kelly Rowland and AJ McLean—also guide the contestants. Each one brings different lessons from their careers in successful music groups. As the show goes on, their support becomes more important.

One contestant said Liam’s advice helped them think differently about how they perform. Others felt that learning from people with real experience in the industry gave them more confidence. Together the mentors help shape a show that’s not just about winning but about growing as artists.

Stay tuned for more updates.