Netflix’s new reality series Building the Band debuts next week—and marks the final project from the late singer Liam Payne. Combining The Voice’s talent search with a Love Is Blind–style twist, the series puts the power in the contestants’ hands as they form six bands without input from celebrity judges.
Backstreet Boys‘ AJ McLean will serve as the show’s host, while Tony Award winner and Pussycat Dolls‘ Nicole Scherzinger will serve as the series’ star mentor and judge. She’ll be joined by Destiny’s Child‘s Kelly Rowland and Payne as special guest judges. Not only does the quartet have experience of being a part of pop groups, but the artists will bring their unparalleled experience and personal band experience to the competition.
As Netflix bills the show, “Building the Band brings together talented singers for a truly unique competition show where building the perfect band is all about chemistry. 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.” Upon meeting as a band, they must work together on their looks, choreography, and style. “With incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal to find the next great music band, the stage is set for an unforgettable experience.”
Who Is Competing on ‘Building the Band?’
This first-of-its-kind series follows a group of singers as they form six bands based solely on talent and chemistry. During the initial phase of the musical experiment, participants will take part in blind vocal performances guided by McLean. From individual sound booths, the singers listening will have to decide whether they want to form a band without first seeing the face behind the voice. Once the six bands are locked in, the members will finally meet and compete under the watchful eye of a superstar panel of judges. Here’s the full roster of talent competing on the show.
‘Building the Band’ Is Like No Other Music Experiment
“It’s going to be really, really interesting to form a band without seeing each other,” a female voice says during the opening of the official trailer. With some contestants hoping to form a boy band or a girl group, the singers believe they may be able to produce a better group by talent alone. The trailer shows the mechanic of the series in which when a contestant hears a good voice, they can hit the button.
The newfound music experiment will watch as six bands emerge from the sound booths. From there, the competition is on as only one group will remain in the end and win Building the Band. Once the bands are formed, can they work as a group or will a Beyoncé emerge? Sorry, Kelly! As Payne put it, “The way these bands are put together are not normal.” Both he and Scherzinger competed in a competition series that saw their groups form. The trailer for the upcoming series showcases Payne in action. Following the announcement of the season, Netflix confirmed, “Liam Payne’s family reviewed the series and is supportive.”
Building the Band premieres on Wednesday, July 9, with the first four episodes dropping that day. Episodes 5–7 will follow on July 16, and the final three episodes will stream on July 23.
Building the Band begins July 9th on Netflix.