Is Netflix’s Building The Band Still Going Ahead After Liam Payne’s Passing? Update on the Status of the Show
Trigger Warning: This article contains mentions of drugs and an individual’s death.
Liam Payne’s shocking death has reportedly left the future of a prominent Netflix venture uncertain. Payne was scheduled to participate in the new singing competition series titled Building the Band. However, TMZ’s sources revealed that producers were surprised and saddened by the tragic news of the One Direction member’s passing.
According to Netflix’s description of the series, Building the Band aims to assemble the next great band without any of its members having prior contact with the music industry. In the show, talented singers vying to be selected based on their vocal abilities will be mentored by judges Nicole Scherzinger, Liam Payne, Kelly Rowland, and AJ McLean.
The contestants are singers who demonstrate musical talent and are judged on their artistic and marketing potential. They will then be grouped into a band based on their merit.
Although details about the production of the show have not been fully disclosed, Liam’s death has certainly impacted the showrunners and co-stars. Liam had reportedly already completed filming for the show alongside fellow judges AJ McLean of The Backstreet Boys, Nicole Scherzinger of The Pussycat Dolls, and Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child.
AJ McLean fondly remembered Liam as a “sweetheart,” while Nicole paid tribute to the late singer, mentioning that working with Payne was “such a blessing.” TMZ reported that Scherzinger had always stayed in touch with the late 1D singer and was even texting him on the day of his sudden passing.
In her post, she expressed, “We shared the same love and passion for music, and I will always cherish our meaningful and joyful conversations. It’s incredibly difficult to come to terms with your absence, but I am thankful to have known your kind heart, sweet soul, and character. You brought so much joy, light, and laughter to those who truly knew you. I will ‘miss you,’ my friend, and keep you in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.”
Authorities in Argentina are currently investigating Liam Payne’s fatal fall from the third floor of his hotel room balcony. Autopsy results revealed the presence of a drug cocktail called Pink Cocaine in his system at the time of his death.
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