Netflix's Building the Band: Release date, judges and all you need to know

Netflix is gearing up to launch a first of its kind series featuring the late Liam Payne as a guest judge.

Building the Band will invite 50 vocalists to participate in a musical experiment, entering blindly with the aim of discovering their ideal bandmates through compatibility and connection.Contestants will audition one another in secluded booths, unable to see each other, until their bands are formed.

Out of six bands, only one will emerge victorious, as Netflix tantalisingly hints. However, not everyone will make it, with each band having a maximum of five performers.

Netflix's Tudum has teased: "Is chemistry enough to make them a success? And when the bands finally do meet, how will looks, choreography, and style come into play? Expect plenty of drama, next-level artistry, and unforgettable performances."

Here's everything you can expect from the forthcoming series:, reports the Mirror US.

AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys will be at the helm as the host, with Netflix's Tudum revealing: "The iconic artist will provide support and guidance to the participants through each phase of the competition until there's only one band left standing."

Nicole Scherzinger will sit on the judging panel, with guest judges including Kelly Rowland and the late Liam Payne. Payne had completed his guest judge segments prior to his passing, and the episodes have received the blessing of his family.

However, fans are already expressing their emotional anticipation, saying they "don't know how to get through it without crying" following a teaser released by Netflix, which has led to an outpouring of tributes.

One fan said: "Liam", followed by a string of crying emojis and a broken heart. Another shared: "Watching it for Liam."

A third wrote: "Not ready yet (crying emoji) They honoured Liam in a way that truly reflected who he was."

A fourth added: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this TV show! It will be special for all viewers to watch the talented @LiamPayne, who looks divine in the trailer... Thank you sooo much!".

One person added: "Don't know how I'm gonna get through this without crying when I just cried watching the trailer. RIP Teddy Bear. We love and miss you so much."

The series schedule is set, with episodes one to four launching on July 9. New instalments will then be released every Wednesday over the following three weeks.

Viewers can look forward to streaming episodes five to seven from July 16, while episodes eight to ten will drop on July 23.

Building the Band will be available to stream on Netflix on July 9