“When we came together to film Building the Band, we never imagined we’d soon be saying goodbye to our friend, Liam Payne,” McLean says. “Liam is a guest judge in later episodes and through his presence, we see his deep love for music and his un­wavering commitment to helping others find their voice.”

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.

Liam Payne’s memory lives on in “Building the Band.” The late One Direction singer makes his final television appearance in the new Netflix singing competition — and fans are tuning in to see his last moments on screen.