Building the Band arrived on Netflix in July 2025 as a bold experiment in the reality music genre. Unlike traditional singing competitions that prioritize visual marketability alongside vocal talent, this series challenged its participants to form musical groups based purely on auditory chemistry. The premise was simple yet high-stakes: 50 talented singers were placed in individual sound booths where they could hear each other but could not see one another. Their goal was to find the perfect bandmates to form a cohesive unit capable of winning a $500,000 grand prize.

The show's structure, production quality, and the high-profile expertise of its judging panel made it a significant entry in the 2025 streaming calendar. Produced by Remarkable Entertainment, a subdivision of Banijay UK, the series spanned 10 episodes, documenting the journey from solo auditions to the formation of six distinct bands that eventually faced a live studio audience.

The Iconic Mentors and Host of Building the Band

One of the primary draws of the series was its lineup of mentors and judges. Netflix assembled a team of industry veterans who collectively represent some of the most successful music groups in history. Their role went beyond mere judging; they served as architects, guiding the newly formed bands through the complexities of harmony, choreography, and brand identity.

Host: AJ McLean

AJ McLean, best known as a core member of the Backstreet Boys, served as the charismatic host. With decades of experience in one of the highest-selling boy bands of all time, McLean brought an essential understanding of group dynamics to the show. Throughout the ten episodes, he acted as the bridge between the contestants and the judges, often offering backstage support to the artists navigating the high-pressure environment of the sound booths.

Mentor and Judge: Nicole Scherzinger

Nicole Scherzinger, the lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls and a seasoned judge from international editions of The X Factor, brought a technical eye to the competition. In Building the Band, Scherzinger focused heavily on the "Total Package" aspect. While the initial selection was blind, she was instrumental in helping the groups translate their vocal chemistry into professional stage presence once they were allowed to meet face-to-face. Her expertise in choreography and vocal arrangement was a recurring highlight of the coaching segments.

Mentor and Judge: Kelly Rowland

As a founding member of Destiny’s Child, Kelly Rowland provided invaluable insights into the intricacies of vocal blending and female group empowerment. Rowland often emphasized the importance of "merit and connection." During the sound booth phase, she frequently pushed contestants to look beyond basic talent and seek out voices that complimented their own in unique ways. Her critiques were noted for being constructive yet firm, focusing on the longevity of the bands beyond the show.

Mentor and Judge: Liam Payne

The series featured Liam Payne, a member of the global sensation One Direction. Payne’s involvement was particularly significant as he brought the perspective of someone who had navigated the transition from a solo auditionee to a member of a manufactured group that achieved unprecedented success. The production marked Payne's final on-screen appearance before his passing in October 2024. In the series, he was often seen mentoring the male vocalists on modern pop sensibilities and the pressures of sudden fame.

The Selection Process: How the Bands Were Formed

The format of Building the Band was divided into three distinct phases, each designed to test a different aspect of the artists' capabilities.

Phase 1: The Sound Booths

The first four episodes focused on the "Blind Selection." All 50 artists started in individual pods, unable to see anyone else. Each singer performed a solo track (ranging from pop hits to soulful ballads) to showcase their range. Following these performances, artists were allowed to communicate with one another through their audio systems. They could send "likes" to those they felt an affinity with. To stay in the competition, an artist needed to receive at least five likes. This phase was a psychological test, as contestants had to rely on conversation and vocal jamming to determine who might be a good fit for their vision.

Phase 2: The Reveal and First Look

Once six bands were officially locked in, the contestants finally met in person. This transition often provided the show's most dramatic moments, as artists realized that the musical chemistry they felt in the booths might or might not align with the visual and stylistic reality of their bandmates. Episodes 5 and 6 focused on these "First Looks," where the bands moved into a shared house to begin training. Here, they had to decide on band names and undergo rigorous rehearsals involving choreography and styling.

Phase 3: The Showcases and Eliminations

The final four episodes saw the bands performing before a live studio audience. The stakes were heightened with each showcase, as the judges—Nicole, Kelly, and Liam—had to decide which groups advanced and which were eliminated based on their collective performance. The culmination was the grand finale, where the remaining three bands competed for the title and the half-million-dollar prize.

Full List of Bands and Contestants

The heart of Building the Band was the diverse array of singers who participated. Out of the 50 original contestants, 23 formed the core groups that competed in the showcases.

ICONYX (Formerly Soulidified) - The Winners

Originally named Soulidified, this group consisted of four powerhouse male vocalists who demonstrated consistent R&B and pop prowess. They were the ultimate victors of the season, winning the $500,000 prize.

  • Bradley Rittman: Age 22, from Massachusetts. Known for his soulful rendition of "So Sick" in the booths.
  • Landon Boyce: Age 20, from Utah. He impressed the judges with a unique cover of Britney Spears' "Toxic."
  • Malik Heard: Age 27, from Texas. A veteran of the audition circuit, he brought stability with "Versace on the Floor."
  • Shade Jenifer: Age 26, from Maryland. His performance of "Let Me Love You" established him as a lead vocal contender early on.

SZN4

SZN4 was one of the most balanced groups in the competition, featuring two male and two female vocalists. They were often praised for their intricate four-part harmonies.

  • Aaliyah Larsen (Aaliyah Rose): Age 22, from Utah. She gained the most "likes" in the first episode with her performance of "Tummy Hurts."
  • Cameron Goode: Age 22, from Illinois. A standout performer who excelled in the "First Look" performance of "Somebody That I Used to Know."
  • Donzell Taggart: Age 22, from Arkansas. He led the group with a strong urban-pop vocal style.
  • Katie Roeder: Age 23, from Massachusetts. Her high-energy performance of "Unstoppable" made her a fan favorite.

3Quency

A trio that focused on high-energy pop and contemporary hits, 3Quency reached the finals and were the runners-up.

  • Brianna Mazzola: Age 24, from Pennsylvania. She was a late addition to the group formation but proved vital with her performance of "River."
  • Nori Moore (Nori Royale): Age 23, from Georgia. Known for her stage presence and vocal agility.
  • Wennely Quezada: Age 24, from Missouri. She brought a global pop flair to the trio.

Midnight 'Til Morning

This all-male quartet leaned into the classic boy band aesthetic, focusing on emotional ballads and synchronized movement.

  • Conor Smith: Age 22, from Australia. He brought an international perspective and a strong pop-rock vocal.
  • Mason Watts: Age 25, from Australia. His performance of "Breakeven" in the booths was a highlight of Episode 3.
  • Shane Appell: Age 22, from New York. A versatile singer who anchored the group's lower register.
  • Zach Newbould: Age 21, from Massachusetts. He was highly sought after in the booths following his performance of "Beautiful Things."

Siren Society

Siren Society was a four-member all-female group that emphasized vocal power and sophisticated choreography. They were eliminated in the first showcase (Episode 7).

  • Autumn Bryant (Autumn Stallia): Age 20, from Maryland.
  • Erica Padilla: Age 23, from Australia.
  • Jenna Davenport (Jenna Dave): Age 19, from Nevada.
  • Noriella Gjieli: Age 25, from New York.

Sweet Seduction

A trio of female vocalists who focused on pop-R&B fusion. They were eliminated in the second showcase (Episode 8).

  • Alison Ogden: Age 24, from Maryland.
  • Elise Kristine: Age 20, from Washington. Her booth performance of "You Broke Me First" earned 28 likes.
  • Haley Gosserand: Age 20, from Missouri.

Episode Breakdown: The Journey to the Finale

The 10-episode season was structured to provide a comprehensive look at the evolution of these bands.

Episode 1: The Pinky Promise

The series opened with the first batch of 25 singers entering the sound booths. The focus was on individual introductions and the "Blind Likes" system. Donzell Taggart and Aaliyah Rose emerged as early leaders, each receiving a high volume of likes from their peers.

Episode 2: Locked In

As the booth sessions continued, Nicole Scherzinger entered the scene to mentor the artists. The first official group, which would become SZN4, began to take shape. This episode highlighted the tension of artists having to commit to a group without knowing who else might still be waiting to audition.

Episode 3: The Magic Number

The remaining singers from the first 50 struggled to find their matches. Bradley Rittman and his future ICONYX bandmates began their dialogue, focusing on a shared love for 90s and early 2000s R&B.

Episode 4: I Always Get What I Want

The booth phase concluded. Tension peaked as five groups were solidified, leaving several talented singers like Max Wright and Christian Kirk without a match, resulting in their elimination. The final group, Sweet Seduction, was formed in the closing moments.

Episode 5: The First Look

The bands finally met face-to-face. The episode explored the living arrangements in the shared house and the immediate challenges of group cohesion. Autumn and the members of Siren Society had to navigate stylistic differences, while the boys of Midnight 'Til Morning found instant camaraderie.

Episode 6: Breaking the Band

Kelly Rowland and Liam Payne joined the judging panel. The bands had to finalize their names and prepare for their first "Formation Performance." A budding romance between two contestants from different groups added a layer of drama to the rehearsal process.

Episode 7: The Showcase

The competition moved to the big stage. Each band performed a full-scale number for the judges and a live audience. Siren Society performed "Don't Cha," but their lack of vocal cohesion compared to the other groups led to their elimination.

Episode 8: The Big Stage

With five bands remaining, the pressure mounted. Sweet Seduction performed "Ghost," but the judges felt their choreography overshadowed their vocal performance, leading to their departure.

Episode 9: The Pressure Is On

The semi-finals featured vocal issues for one contestant in Midnight 'Til Morning. Despite a valiant effort and a last-minute song change to "Circles," they were eliminated, leaving SZN4, 3Quency, and ICONYX for the final.

Episode 10: The Finals

In a high-energy finale, the three remaining bands gave two powerhouse performances each. ICONYX (formerly Soulidified) delivered a flawless final showcase, securing the victory and the $500,000 prize.

Behind the Scenes and Production Details

Building the Band was filmed primarily in Manchester, UK, during the summer of 2024. The production design was a crucial element of the show's success, particularly the sound booth pods which required high-fidelity audio engineering to ensure the singers could hear the nuances of each other's voices without visual cues.

The creative team included:

  • Executive Producers: Cat Lawson, Alison Holloway, Katrina Morrison, Clara Elliot, and Simon Crossley.
  • Director: Diccon Ramsay.
  • Choreographers: Brian and Scott Nicholson, known for their work with major pop stars, were responsible for the ambitious stage numbers in the latter half of the season.
  • Music Producers: Mads Hauge and Rachel Cudjoe worked with the bands to arrange their showcase performances.

The Cultural Impact and Liam Payne’s Legacy

While Building the Band was a competition about the future of music, it became a moment of reflection for the industry following the death of Liam Payne in October 2024. The series served as his final public appearance and showcased his deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of artists. His critiques were often the most empathetic, reflecting his own journey through the reality TV machine.

Netflix dedicated the series to his memory, and his presence on the panel provided a poignant backdrop to the show's themes of camaraderie and the pursuit of musical dreams. Despite a positive reception from fans and a respectable 7.4 rating on IMDB, Netflix opted not to renew the series for a second season, making this single 10-episode run a unique capsule in reality television history.

Summary of Building the Band

Building the Band offered a fresh perspective on the group-formation process by prioritizing auditory compatibility over visual marketing. With a winning group like ICONYX, the show proved that true musical chemistry can be found when distractions are removed. Led by a panel of industry icons and featuring a diverse cast of 50 artists, the series documented the highs and lows of creating a cohesive band under the scrutiny of the global Netflix audience.

FAQ

What band won Building the Band on Netflix? ICONYX, originally known during the competition as Soulidified, was the winning band. The members were Bradley Rittman, Landon Boyce, Malik Heard, and Shade Jenifer. They won the $500,000 grand prize.

Who were the judges on Building the Band? The judging and mentoring panel consisted of Nicole Scherzinger (The Pussycat Dolls), Kelly Rowland (Destiny’s Child), and Liam Payne (One Direction). The show was hosted by AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys.

Where was Building the Band filmed? The series was filmed in Manchester, England, during the summer of 2024, specifically for the live showcase segments held in late August.

Is Building the Band getting a Season 2? As of late 2025, Netflix has officially canceled the series after its first season. There are currently no plans for a second installment.

What was the final performance by ICONYX? In the finale, ICONYX performed a medley and a final showcase song that solidified their win, showcasing their R&B roots and high-level vocal synchronization that they first established in the blind sound booths.