Building the Bandwill air on Netflix starting July 9 The series features Liam Payne as a guest judge, and is moving forward with his family's approval Payne died in October 2024 Netflix's upcoming music competition seriesBuilding the Bandfinally has a release date — and it's with the blessing of late starLiam Payne's family. The series, during which contestants team up to form a band without ever actually seeing one another, will air its first four episodes on July 9, with the rest to follow on July 16 and July 23. Payne'sinvolvement in the showwas first announced last August, just two months before hedied in Octoberat age 34. TheOne Directionstar's family "reviewed the series and is supportive of his inclusion," Netflix said in a press release. In a trailer for the show released on Wednesday, June 11, a number of aspiring singers settle into individual booths to listen to their fellow contestants and choose who they might want to team up with. One singer's performance of "Jealous" by Labrinth wows the others, with one person saying she's "falling in love." Netflix "I want him in my band," another says. The show is hosted by Backstreet Boys starAJ McLean, while newly minted Tony winner and former Pussycat Dolls starNicole Scherzingerwill serve as mentor and judge. Payne is on board as a guest judge, as is former Destiny's Child starKelly Rowland. The show's official synopsis highlights the importance of chemistry when it comes to putting together the perfect band. "All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit," the synopsis says. "What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come into play?" Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty In the wake of Payne's death, a source told PEOPLE that the show's producers wereshocked and saddened by the loss. The source added that the "Strip That Down" singer had no behavioral issues during filming, and that Payne was so fulfilled by his experience onBuilding the Bandthat he wanted to continue working with the bands after production ended. "The very last thing Liam did was work on this amazing TV show for Netflix called Building the Band, which will be out this summer. And we're dedicating the show to him," McLeansaid at 90s Conin March. "I got to really know him on a personal level and we had a lot of very similar life experiences, both in sobriety and out of sobriety." Read the original article onPeople
