Inside 'Building the Band': AJ McLean on Liam Payne's final project
Liam Payne had completed filming for 'Building the Band' - which features singers looking to build a band despite being kept in separate booths so they can't see each other - several months before his death.
Image: X
AJ McLean says that Liam Payne's final project, "Building the Band", is "unlike anything you have ever seen before".
The Backstreet Boys singer unveiled a first look at the new Netflix series, which was the late One Direction singer's last TV work before his tragic death at 31 in October after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina, at the streamer's Tudum event recently, and he promised viewers that the show is unique.
McLean, 47, said: "Today's most talented singers in the world will audition for each other and choose their own bandmates before ever seeing them.
"Our judge and mentor, Nicole Scherzinger, and guest judges Kelly Rowland and the late Liam Payne, are from some of the biggest bands of all time. This show is all about one word: chemistry. And believe me: in a band, you really need some good chemistry."
'Building the Band' was given the go-ahead to air on Netflix earlier this year after officials at the streaming giant consulted with Liam's grieving relatives, although it is claimed that his loved ones were "surprised" by the announcement.
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A source told 'The Sun' newspaper: "They spoke with Liam's family as they didn't want to progress the project without taking their feelings into consideration.
"The family got the sense that this was a celebration of Liam, an image of positivity. He was doing what he did best as a true boyband star.
"But they hadn't given it a final stamp of approval and as far as they were concerned were still discussing what the show would look like. So they were surprised by the announcement."
Payne had completed filming for the series - which features singers looking to build a band despite being kept in separate booths so they can't see each other - several months before his death.
A synopsis of the series explains: "All they [the contestants] have to go on is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit ... with incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal - to find the next great music band - the stage is set for an unforgettable experience."
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