Acknowledging the loss right off the bat, the first episode opens with a touching tribute to Payne.

"I saw the joy it brought to Liam," Scherzinger has said in an interview about making Netflix's new reality contest.

Netflix’s new talent competition Building the Band drops on July 9 — and already, this series about forming the next hot music group feels bittersweet. The series marks One Direction alum Liam Payne’s last project before his death at age 31, with many fans of Payne’s likely tuning in for a glimpse at the late singer.