One Direction’s Liam Payne’s legacy lives on in Building the Band after his untimely death

Building the Band is a new music competition airing on Netflix. Liam Payne, who died in October 2024 at the age of 31, makes an appearance as a guest judge, sharing moments of mentorship that were recorded in the months leading up to his passing. There is now more poignancy in his presence.

Four episodes of the show premiered in early July 2025, with its second drop ending on July 16. The finale is scheduled for July 23. Host AJ McLean says it's "a beautiful thing" to remember the "real, true him," and it begins with a passionate dedication to Payne.

Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland, contestants and fellow judges, praise Payne's inspirational mentoring, pointing out how his distinct energy and insights enhanced each performance.

When Payne counsels and supports up-and-coming bands in the seventh episode, his contributions, which include humorous criticism and unabashed encouragement, come to the fore. His advice places a strong emphasis on having fun and being genuine, which echoes the principles that contributed to One Direction's worldwide success.

As the series goes on, both artists and spectators consider his enduring influence as a mentor and an artist, guaranteeing that his legacy will be felt long after the last curtain has fallen.

Liam Payne’s heartfelt impact on Building the Band

His final on‑screen role as a guest mentor

Liam Payne makes what is likely his last TV appearance on Netflix's Building the Band, which was shot shortly before he passed away tragically in October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.

Alongside presenters AJ McLean, Kelly Rowland, and Nicole Scherzinger, Payne mentored up-and-coming bands while serving as a guest judge. He was obviously touched by the series's test of the competitors' capacity to form bands without ever meeting in person.

His warmth and genuineness in Building the Band Episode 7 are particularly noteworthy. He made a joke about his own pop star background in One Direction when he urged Springfield's boy band Midnight 'til Morning to explore performance components like dancing.

He encouraged them to "have fun" and take control of the stage, praising their efforts with sincere compliments and helpful guidance. AJ McLean subsequently remarked that it was "just a beautiful thing" to witness "the real, true him" on film, and Kelly Rowland called his comments "perfect advice."

A tribute that honors his legacy

With a sincere dedication to Payne and his family, Building the Band premiered its latest episode. The opening sequence featured a direct homage from host and fellow boy band icon AJ McLean, who acknowledged the shock of losing a buddy so soon after production was over.

Viewers see the depth of Payne's love for developing fresh talent throughout the episode, and that dedication establishes a tone of respect and remembering that persists throughout.

Producers verified that the Payne family had examined and accepted the inclusion of his footage prior to broadcast, giving viewers emotional closure and ethical honesty. This careful treatment demonstrates how the program strikes a balance between sentimental remembrance and entertaining.

Building the Band honors tradition, mentoring, and creative teamwork in addition to being a music competition. Every note sung, every smile given, and every artist Liam Payne assisted in pursuing their goals are all reminders of his final contribution to television.

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Watch all the episodes of Building a Band on Netflix.

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