Backstreet Boys singer AJ McLean shared a heartfelt tribute dedicated to Liam Payne during the premiere episode of Netflix’s new singing competition, which marks the late One Direction singer’s last TV appearance. The singer signed on for the Netflix talent show, Building The Band, just two months before his death in October 2024, aged 31.

And in the opening moments of the competition series’ first episode, AJ McLean — who hosts Building the Band — paid tribute to his late friend. “When we came together to film Building the Band, we never imagined we’d soon be saying goodbye to our friend Liam Payne,” the Backstreet Boys member tells the camera.

Reality show 'Building the Band' features Liam Payne. This is his last appearance after his death in October 2024. AJ McLean paid tribute to the One Direction star. Liam appears as a guest judge. He filmed the show in the summer of 2024.