NEED TO KNOW
Liam Payne’s sister is reflecting on the late pop star’s Netflix show.
Following the debut of the Building the Band trailer on Wednesday, June 11, Payne’s sister Ruth Gibbins posted on her Instagram Stories about seeing her brother appear on the show after his death in October 2024.
“I didn’t know whether to share this, but it felt weird when I’ve raved about Liam’s work and achievements for the last 15 years,” she wrote, sharing the trailer on June 24.
Added Gibbins: “Im heartbroken he never got to see how great he is in this show. He knew he had done a good job, we all told him this when we were at filming, but watching it back, wow!”
Ruth Gibbins/Instagram
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“You’re a star Liam, you always were and always will be,” Gibbins concluded. “There are a range of emotions I felt watching this, but one of the main ones is immeasurable pride, always. Miss you more every day.”
Payne signed on for the reality show in August 2024, months before he died at age 31. The Building the Band producers were shocked and saddened to hear of his death, a source told PEOPLE at the time.
The One Direction alum’s family “reviewed the series and is supportive of his inclusion,” said Netflix in a press release.
Payne appears as a judge on the singing competition series alongside Destiny’s Child’s Kelly Rowland and The Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger, who will also serve as a mentor.
Backstreet Boys icon AJ McClean hosts the singing competition series.
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Building the Band “will attempt to answer this question by forming the next great music group, sight unseen,” a synopsis reads.
“A group of talented singers will enter the competition for the opportunity of a lifetime: to find their perfect bandmates solely based on musical compatibility, connection, and, most importantly, merit.”
Netflix
However, when meeting up in person, will outside forces like personality, work ethic and style change things? Fans can expect “plenty of drama, next-level artistry, and unforgettable performances.”
The first four episodes of Building the Band premiere on Netflix on Wednesday, July 9 with episodes 5-7 and 8-10 dropping on July 16 and 23, respectively.
