The Fandom's Verdict: Building the Band Season 1 Predictions, Controversies, and Liam Payne's Lasting Impact

Netflix's Building the Band, which premiered on July 9, 2025, has sparked significant discussion among viewers, particularly on platforms like Reddit. The show, featuring Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean as host and judges Nicole Scherzinger, Kelly Rowland, and the late Liam Payne, follows a unique format where 50 artists initially form six groups without seeing each other. As the competition progressed to live performances and eliminations, Redditors eagerly shared their predictions and insights based on the groups' chemistry, vocal talent, and stage presence.

Overall Reception and Show Format

Many Redditors expressed a strong positive sentiment towards Building the Band, praising its refreshing take on the singing competition genre. Unlike traditional shows, Building the Band focuses on contestants forming cohesive groups through genuine conversation and collaboration, rather than producer-influenced guidance. Viewers appreciated the show's departure from crazy stressful and intense drama, noting that eliminations were handled directly without anxiety-inducing emotional roller coasters.

Predicted Winners and Strong Contenders

Reddit users largely agreed on the top contenders for Season 1:

SZN4

This mixed-gender group, composed of Donzell, Aaliyah, Cameron, and Katie, was consistently highlighted as the clear favorite to win. Viewers praised their incredible talent, star quality, powerful voices, unique blend, and apparent genuine friendship and chemistry. Nicole Scherzinger herself called them the perfect ingredients early on. Despite the widespread praise, some Redditors disliked their band name, with suggestions for alternatives like Pinky Promise.

Soulidified

The boy band comprising Landon, Malik, Shade, and Bradley, was another strong contender. Fans appreciated their R&B style, cohesive blending, hard work ethic, and apparent brotherhood and genuine chemistry. Liam Payne specifically commended their stage presence, noting, You’re the first group that came out and actually owned the space.

3Quency

The trio of Nori, Wennely, and Brianna surprisingly impressed many, emerging as a dark horse favorite. Their strong teamwork, friendship, consistent vocals, and ability to listen to each other onstage resonated with viewers. Some did express criticism about Nori's voice or her perceived manipulation during group formation.

Bands in Danger and Predicted Eliminations

While some groups thrived, others faced significant criticism and were widely predicted for elimination:

Sweet Seduction: Comprising Alison, Elise, and Haley, this group was overwhelmingly disliked by Redditors, primarily due to Alison's perceived narcissistic attitude, control issues, and lack of team play. Many felt there was zero chemistry and that Alison treated her bandmates like props or backup dancers. Despite advancing in Episode 7 due to strong vocals, many Redditors believed they should have been eliminated due to their lack of cohesion and predicted their eventual breakup.

Source: https://www.reddit.com/user/Double-Reputation151/

Midnight 'Til Morning (MTM)

This group, featuring Conor, Mason, Shane, and Zach, received mixed reactions. While some saw potential in their unique style and voices, particularly for a rock/country niche, Conor's immaturity, lack of commitment, and alleged focus on a fling with Alison were major sources of frustration for viewers. Despite placing in the bottom two in Episode 7, many Redditors predicted MTM would remain due to perceived producer interest in the drama surrounding Conor and Alison, or because of a perceived gender bias favoring boy bands.

Siren Society

Jenna, Autumn, Noriella, and Erica, who also landed in the bottom two in Episode 7, were generally seen as a group with potential and good chemistry. Many wished they would advance over Sweet Seduction. However, their risky song choice (Don't Cha by Nicole Scherzinger's former group, the Pussycat Dolls), and the show's need for drama, led many to predict their elimination.

Recurring Themes and Criticisms

Beyond individual group predictions, Redditors also discussed broader aspects of the show:

Suspected Staging/Producer Influence

A common sentiment was that certain elements, particularly the drama involving Alison and Conor, felt staged or influenced by producers to create entertainment.

Source: https://www.reddit.com/user/Most-Engineer4119/ 

Fairness of Eliminations

Many expressed frustration when groups perceived to have poor chemistry (like Sweet Seduction) advanced over those with stronger group dynamics (like Siren Society), questioning the judging criteria.

• Gender Bias: Some users observed a general bias in reality singing competitions, noting that women singers have to work so much harder than men singers and are judged more harshly.
• Band Names: A humorous, albeit critical, recurring theme was the perceived cheesy or cringe nature of many of the band names chosen by the groups.

Liam Payne's Impact

Liam Payne's involvement as a judge was met with a mix of fondness and sadness, as Building the Band was his final TV project before his passing in October 2024, with the show dedicated in his memory. Redditors appreciated his wonderful insights, wholesome and kindhearted demeanor, and his approachable mentoring style, which stood out from harsher judges. His lighthearted jab at One Direction's dancing—quipping, We’re amazing dancers, obviously, in One Direction. It’s what we’re known for—was a memorable moment that showcased his wit. He jokingly critiqued Midnight 'Til Morning's unchoreographed, helter-skelter movement, emphasizing that One Direction could control an arena through sheer presence, much like George Michael.

The Reddit community for Building the Band offered a lively space for fans to dissect performances, predict outcomes, and collectively appreciate the unique elements that made the show compelling.