In a heartfelt reflection following the tragic passing of Liam Payne, Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean has spoken out about his experience working with the late One Direction star on what would become Payne’s final project—Netflix’s upcoming talent series Building the Band.
McLean, who co-starred on the series alongside Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Rowland, described Payne as “an absolute dream to work with,” praising his creativity, warmth, and genuine dedication to nurturing young artists. The two bonded during the show’s production in early 2024, unaware it would mark the closing chapter of Payne’s public career.
“Liam had such a bright light,” McLean shared in an interview with E! News. “He was kind, focused, and incredibly talented. Watching him mentor these aspiring musicians—you could see how much he cared. It wasn’t just about the music. It was about lifting people up.”
Building the Band, slated for release this summer, follows a unique format where contestants form groups based solely on musical chemistry, rather than visual cues or genre. Payne’s role as guest mentor allowed him to reconnect with his roots while guiding the next generation of pop hopefuls. His appearance will now serve as a tribute to his legacy—a final glimpse of his artistry and compassion.
The news of Payne’s death came as a devastating blow to McLean, who admitted he had to take time to “regroup” after sharing the loss with the production team. “It’s still hard to believe,” he said. “He had so much more to give—not just to music, but to life.”
McLean also revealed he’d been privileged to hear some of Payne’s unreleased tracks during filming. “There’s so much music the world may never hear now,” he lamented. “He was evolving into something really special.”
As fans prepare to see Payne one last time on screen, Building the Band stands not only as a creative showcase but as a poignant reminder of his enduring spirit. “Liam’s heart was in this show,” McLean said. “I just hope everyone watching can feel that.”
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