Liam Payne, Nicole Scherzinger, Kelly Rowland and AJ McLean Set to Join Netflix's New SeriesBuilding the Band

Mar. 15, 2025

From left: AJ McLean, Kelly Rowland, Liam Payne and Nicole Scherzinger.Photo:Michael Kovac/Getty; Cindy Ord/Getty; Dave Benett/Getty; Karwai Tang/WireImage

Michael Kovac/Getty; Cindy Ord/Getty; Dave Benett/Getty; Karwai Tang/WireImage

Bands are getting back in style!

On Friday, Aug. 16, Netflix announcedLiam Payne,Nicole Scherzinger,Kelly RowlandandAJ McLeanwill be joining their new seriesBuilding the Band.

Scherzinger will serve as a mentor and judge, while Payne and Rowland will serve as judges. McLean is set to host the series, which follows individual singers as they attempt to form the next greatest band without ever seeing each other.

“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,” a synopsis for the show reads. “What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come into play? With incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal — to find the next great music band — the stage is set for an unforgettable experience.”

It’s no surprise that Payne, Scherzinger, Rowland and McLean were tapped for the series — which wasfirst announced in May— as they’re all current or former members of successful bands.

Payne, 30, was one of five members in beloved boy bandOne Direction, which rose to fame after appearing onThe X-Factorin 2010. MemberZayn Malikdeparted the band in 2015 and the group ultimately broke up in 2016, with all of the members — which also includedHarry Styles,Niall HoranandLouis Tomlinson— going on to pursue solo careers.

From left: Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Harry Styles of One Direction in 2013.Dave M. Benett/WireImage

Dave M. Benett/WireImage

Scherzinger, 46, formerly frontedThe Pussycat Dollsalongside Kimberly Wyatt, Melody Thornton, Jessica Sutta, Ashley Roberts and Carmit Bachar. The band rose to global fame in 2005 with the release of the girl group’s debut single “Don’t Cha” but disbanded in 2010.

The Pussycat Dolls (left to right): Kimberly Wyatt, Melody Thornton, Jessica Sutta, Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts and Carmit Bachar.MJ Kim/Getty

MJ Kim/Getty

Each member has since gone on to pursue solo careers, with Rowland also been a judge onThe X Factor UKandThe X Factor USA, as well as hostingChasing Destinyand serving as a coach forThe Voice Australia.

Destiny’s Child.SGranitz/WireImage

SGranitz/WireImage

The group has continued to tour around the world and put out new music, while also appearing in two-year Las Vegas residency from 2017-2019.

With such varied backgrounds in music, the foursome is expected to bring “their unparalleled expertise and personal band experience to the competition” in hopes that they can help create the next big band, according to Netflix.

Backstreet Boys (from left to right): Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, Kevin Richardson, Nick Carter, and Brian Littrell.John Parra/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

John Parra/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

“Building the Bandis a brave and bold undertaking for all involved as we hand over power to the singers themselves to form their own band based on chemistry first,” Cat Lawson, Executive Producer, Remarkable Entertainment, Banijay UK, said in a statement. “With looks out of the equation, can they create a deeper connection with their bandmates? With limited bands, there are difficult decisions and heart stopping moments along the way, but ultimately the outcome is truly amazing, with bands forming, who in my opinion are worthy of the very biggest stage!”

Filming on the series is set to begin this summer, with additional guest judges and challenges expected to be announced at a later time. A premiere date has not yet been set.

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Building the Bandwill be available to stream on Netflix.

source: people.com