The talented singer’s final onscreen appearance saw him giving back, using his experience to mentor rising musicians in a competition that could launch the next big band to global fame.
Netflix on Tuesday, June 24, released the trailer for its upcoming singing competition series “Building the Band,” which features Liam Payne as one of its guest judges. Fans reacted with a mix of heartbreak and nostalgia upon seeing him in what is believed to be his final onscreen appearance.
The show comes on less than a year after the British pop star died suddenly in Argentina. It is set to premiere on July 9 and could bring a sense of closure for fans of Payne, who was part of the famous band “One Direction.”
“Building the Band” trailer shows Payne taking his place at the judges’ table, where he is introduced alongside Kelly Rowland as one of the guest judges. He smiles warmly at the sound of his name and lifts both hands in the air to wave.
In another scene, Payne is seen mentoring participants in the singing show, offering guidance on their vocal performance and encouraging them, “I need to feel that connection between you guys.”
He is also seen in various shots at the judges’ bench with Rowland and renowned artist Nicole Scherzinger, who serves as mentor and judge.
Payne is visibly enjoying the performances — smiling, cheering, and even jumping up in excitement. These glimpses of joy struck a chord with viewers, who took to social media to remember him.
One fan couldn’t hold back their emotions, writing, “Liam we miss you terribly 😭.” Another viewer was deeply moved by the trailer’s audio, saying, “Hearing Liam’s voice in this gives me so many chills.” Another touched fan suggested, “Netflix should dedicate this show to Liam’s memory.”
Anticipating the emotional toll, one person shared, “Oh this will be heart breaking [sic] to watch.” Noticing a shift in his demeanor, someone pointed out, “He looked really sad and unhappy. His eyes weren’t smiling at all💔.”
Another fan reflected somberly, “You can see in his eyes he was already different 😭 im [sic] so sorry the life he lived took that light in his eyes away.” Regret and hindsight were heavy in this comment, “Looking back the signs were all there but…but no-one [sic] saw them.”
Someone remembered specific moments that now feel even more haunting, “He wasn’t doing great. You can see it especially when he was with the blue jacket. And in the first video it seems like he’s smile was forced.”
Believed to be his final onscreen appearance, Liam Payne brings not only his musical expertise but also his own journey as part of a globally successful band to the music competition series.
“Building the Band” is shaping up to be a one-of-a-kind music competition that tests more than just vocal talent. Hosted by AJ McLean of the “Backstreet Boys,” the series brings together 50 singers who must form six bands, without ever laying eyes on one another.
Instead of relying on looks or stage presence, contestants are placed in soundproof booths and must choose their bandmates based solely on what they hear: vocal chemistry, connection, and raw ability.
As the bands eventually meet face-to-face, the stakes get higher — style, work ethic, and stage presence become just as crucial as harmony. With its fresh format and heartfelt moments, “Building the Band” offers a poignant and thrilling tribute to the collaborative spirit of music, and for many, a bittersweet farewell to one of pop’s beloved voices.
The glossy studio production was filmed in the UK during the summer of 2024. The creation of the show was then made public in August 2024, the same month filming for the project wrapped. Just two months later, Payne died at the age of 31 after a fatal fall from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
An inquest into the singer’s demise revealed that his medical cause of death was “polytrauma,” a term used to describe multiple traumatic injuries affecting various parts of the body and organ systems. The confirmation was provided by Dr. Roberto Victor Cohen during the UK inquest’s opening, offering clarity on the injuries he sustained in the fatal fall.
Following his passing, Netflix allowed Payne’s family time to grieve, which likely led to a shift in the show’s release schedule. Now, a possible way “Building the Band” could pay tribute to Payne when it premieres is by opening the first episode with a heartfelt message from McLean and fellow judges, acknowledging his impact on the show and the music industry.
Payne is still being celebrated by those who knew and loved him. He was in a relationship with Kate Cassidy, who recently shared a heartfelt tribute to him, eight months after his passing. She reflected on the deep bond they shared, saying he was the kind of person whose absence was felt the moment he stepped out the door.
“Even when leaving the house for a few hours, I’d find myself rushing home to be with him again out of excitement. Now facing the reality that I live in a constant state of missing you is something I still can’t fully wrap my head around,” Cassidy wrote.
She described the pain of not being able to hear his voice or feel his embrace as something beyond words. Time, for her, now feels confusing — either moving too quickly or dragging unbearably — but she’s doing her best to keep going, choosing to live her life in his honor.
“I miss you more than words can say. One day, I’ll see you again, and I’ll have so much to tell you. So much to catch up on. I love you my angel❤️444,” Cassidy concluded.
From fans mourning his onscreen presence to loved ones cherishing his memory, Payne continues to be deeply remembered. His influence, whether through music, mentorship, or the quiet moments shared with those closest to him, has left a lasting mark.
