The Host of ‘Building the Band’ on Netflix
The host of the new Netflix reality music competition, Building the Band, is AJ McLean, best known as a member of the Backstreet Boys. McLean takes on the role of a guiding “big brother” figure, using his extensive experience in one of the most successful boy bands ever to support contestants as they navigate forming vocal groups. His presence brings a sense of familiarity and expertise to the show, helping contestants understand what it takes to build a successful band.
In a preview at Netflix’s Tudum event, McLean emphasized the show’s innovative format. He described how today’s most talented singers will audition for each other and choose their own bandmates before ever seeing them. According to him, the show is all about one word: chemistry.
Liam Payne’s Role on the Show
Liam Payne, a former member of One Direction, appears on Building the Band as a guest judge and mentor. Despite his tragic death in October 2024, he completed filming before his passing, and Netflix proceeded with the show, backed by his family’s consent to honor his final project. His involvement adds a special touch to the series, offering fans a glimpse into his creative process and passion for music.
Tolong support kita ya,
Cukup klik ini aja: https://indonesiacrowd.com/support-bonus/
In a recent interview with Billboard, Nicole Scherzinger talked about Payne’s involvement with the show and how she’s excited for fans to see him again through the series. She mentioned that he is with them in spirit and expressed how proud he was of this show. She also shared her excitement for people to see him in his highest light, giving back to the music industry.
Other Judges of ‘Building the Band’
Alongside the late Liam Payne, two other music icons serve as judges and mentors, helping guide the contestants as they form new vocal groups. Nicole Scherzinger, the iconic frontwoman of the Pussycat Dolls, brings her performance expertise and industry insight as both a judge and mentor. Additionally, Grammy-winning former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland offers her experience and sharp eye for talent to help shape the next generation of stars.
In an interview with People, Rowland shared how upset she was that Building the Band was “not her idea,” comparing it to the likes of the streamer’s hit, Love Is Blind. She explained that the judges are using their senses the same way they do in Love Is Blind, where you don’t know what’s going to happen, but it’s all part of the journey.
The Prize for the Winning Band
After one of the groups is announced as the winner, they receive a $500,000 cash prize, which is split evenly among all members. The winners are free to use the money however they wish and are not required to sign with any specific label or management team afterward. This allows the winning band to have complete creative freedom and control over their future.
How Songs Were Chosen for the Bands
The team behind the show had about 400 songs to choose from. In an interview with Netflix’s publication Tudum, executive producer Cat Lawson offered insight into the process. She explained that they cleared a whole batch of songs across different genres to suit a wide range of singers. Then, when they met the singers and got to know them a bit more, they asked: Who do you love? What are your favorite songs? What’s your genre? If you could liken yourself to an artist, who would it be? Is there a song in the world that you love more than anything? If it’s on the list, they go there.
The Process for Forming the Bands
The process of forming the groups was quite extensive. Out of 150 singers who auditioned in Los Angeles, 50 were selected to proceed. These singers then spent six days performing blind audition style for one another, aiming to form groups that naturally mesh together. The first couple of days involved listening to 50 songs, followed by one-on-one chats, three-way chats, and four-way chats. Each singer had the opportunity to give 10 likes for any performance they heard during the blind booth audition phase, in order for them to be pushed to the next phase, they would have to receive a total of at least five likes from the other singers.
The Bands Formed During the Show
Once the groups were finally formed, they took to the big stage to perform in front of celebrity judges Nicole Scherzinger, Liam Payne, Kelly Rowland, and a studio audience. Here’s an overview of season one’s Building the Band groups:
- SZN4: Donzell, Aaliyah, Cameron & Katie – Mixed group
- Soulidified: Landon, Shade, Malik & Bradley – Boy band
- 3Quency: Nori, Wennely & Brianna – Girl trio
- Midnight ‘Til Morning: Zach, Mason, Conor & Shane – Boy band
- Siren Society: Jenna, Autumn, Noriella & Erica – Girl group
- Sweet Seduction: Alison, Haley & Elise – Girl group
Each group brought unique talents and chemistry to the stage, showcasing their abilities and creating memorable performances.
Future of Building the Band
As of now, Netflix has not officially renewed Building the Band for a second season. However, given its current popularity, it’s possible that more young hopefuls could be given the chance to audition for upcoming episodes. Fans are eagerly waiting to see if the show will return and what new talents might emerge from the next season.
