Nicole Scherzinger, Liam Payne, Kelly Rowland & AJ McLean Join Forces on Netflix’s ‘Building the Band’

Four of the world’s most experienced boy band and girl group alumni are coming together to help foster the next big pop unit, with Netflix tapping Nicole Scherzinger, Liam Payne, Kelly Rowland and AJ McLean for its new music competition series, Building the Band, which begins filming this summer.

As shared exclusively with Billboard Friday (Aug. 16), the streaming service has recruited Scherzinger to be a mentor and judge alongside judges Payne and Rowland. McLean is set to host the series. Scherzinger previously served on judging panels for The X Factor, Masked Singer and The Sing-Off.

With its team of experienced boy/girl band experts on lock (which encompasses members of the Pussycat Dolls, One Direction, Destiny’s Child and Backstreet Boys), Building the Band will bring together a number of talented singers and task them with forming their own bands without ever seeing each other. Isolated in individual booths, all they’ll have to go on when selecting their bandmates is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit, according to a release.

“What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come into play?” a description reads. “With incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal — to find the next great music band — the stage is set for an unforgettable experience.”

Additional announcements regarding guest judges and the show’s various challenges are yet to come. Production companies Remarkable Entertainment and Banijay UK are behind the project, with Cat Lawson, Alison Holloway, Katrina Morrison, Clara Elliot and Simon Crossley on board as executive producers.

“Building the Band is a brave and bold undertaking for all involved as we hand over power to the singers themselves to form their own band based on chemistry first,” Lawson said in a statement. “With looks out of the equation, can they create a deeper connection with their bandmates? With limited bands, there are difficult decisions and heart stopping moments along the way, but ultimately the outcome is truly amazing, with bands forming who in my opinion are worthy of the very biggest stage.”