Netflix is giving the band-forming competition genre a shakeup with Building the Band, a new 10-episode series that puts control directly in the hands of the performers.
Premiering July 9, 2025, the show challenges 45 rising singers to form bands based purely on musical chemistry, without ever laying eyes on one another.
There’s no stage at first. No choreography. No styling. Just voices, instincts, and split-second decisions inside soundproof booths. And once the bands are locked in, that’s when the real chaos and connection begin.
Hosted by AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys) and mentored by Nicole Scherzinger (The Pussycat Dolls), the show also welcomes Kelly Rowland and the late Liam Payne as guest judges starting in Episode 7.
What Is Building the Band?
This isn’t your typical talent show. In Building the Band, contestants don’t audition for a panel or compete solo. Instead, they collaborate from the start, forming their own bands by selecting each other based solely on vocal compatibility and creative intuition. Each decision is made in isolation. No visual cues. No glam factor. Just sound.
Once formed, these brand-new bands are thrown into performance challenges, and only then do contestants see who they’ve chosen. With the stakes rising, group dynamics and image suddenly come into play, forcing some bands to either evolve or implode.
Watch the trailer
Release Format & Episodes
The series follows a batched rollout:
- July 9: Episodes 1–4
- July 16: Episodes 5–7
- July 23: Episodes 8–10 (Finale)
First Look
Meet the Contestants
The cast features 45 emerging artists, ranging in age from 19 to 30, each bringing a distinct style and background. Below are the names of all the singers competing to form the next breakout band:
Aaliyah, Alexandra, Alison, Autumn, Bradley, Bri, Brianna, Cameron, Cece, Chance, Christian, Conor, Donzell, Elise, Eric, Erica, Ethan, Gabriella, Haley, Hannah, Jenna D, Jenna M, Jermarcus, Joey, Karlee, Katie, Kevin, Landon, Malik, Mandy, Mason, Max, Maya, Nico, Nori, Noriella, Peter, Pillow, Shade, Shane, Thomas, Vibi, Wennely, Zach
Judges, Mentors, and Creative Team
- Host: AJ McLean
- Mentor / Judge: Nicole Scherzinger
- Guest Judges (from Episode 7): Kelly Rowland, Liam Payne
- Executive Producers: Cat Lawson, Alison Holloway, Katrina Morrison, Clara Elliot, Simon Crossley
- Production Company: Remarkable Entertainment (Banijay UK)
- Format: 10 episodes (batched release)
Premiere Info
- Series Title: Building the Band
- Premiere Date: July 9, 2025
- Platform: Netflix
- Episodes: 10
- Release Schedule: Weekly batches over three weeks
With an inventive format, high-level talent behind the scenes, and a fresh cast of voices ready to make their mark, Building the Band might just be the most original music competition Netflix has ever launched.
The Poster
