Liam Payne to continue as judge posthumously in ‘Building the Band’ show

Despite his tragic passing in October 2024 at the age of 31, Liam Payne will still feature as a judge on the upcoming singing competition series, ‘Building the Band’.According to PEOPLE, sources indicated uncertainty about the show's fate following the singer's tragic death. However, the platform has now confirmed his participation by retaining footage of the One Direction alum in the program, set to premiere later this summer.Payne will appear alongside fellow judges Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland on Netflix’s ‘Building the Band’, which will be hosted by AJ McLean. The innovative series will follow contestants as they attempt to form a cohesive music group without ever meeting each other in person, adding a unique layer of challenge to the traditional singing competition format.Prior to his untimely death, Rowland shared positive experiences of working with Payne on the show, describing him as "absolutely hilarious." In August 2024, she expressed her surprise at his comedic nature, stating that she was enjoying getting to know him and found him to be "so cool." Her remarks highlight the positive atmosphere Payne contributed to the production.Liam Payne tragically died in October 2024 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A preliminary autopsy cited multiple injuries and hemorrhages as the cause of death. A subsequent toxicology report revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system. A UK inquest later confirmed his cause of death as "polytrauma."Following the news of his death, Nicole Scherzinger, who played a pivotal role in the formation of One Direction on ‘The X Factor’, shared a heartfelt tribute to Payne on Instagram. She fondly recalled their time together from the group's inception to their recent collaboration on ‘Building the Band’, cherishing their shared love for music and their meaningful conversations. Scherzinger expressed her grief and gratitude for knowing his "kind heart" and "sweet soul," acknowledging the joy and laughter he brought to those around him