In a touching and poignant revelation, Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean has disclosed that the late Liam Payne previewed a collection of “beautiful,” unreleased music for him just before his tragic passing in October 2024. The news arrives amid the emotional lead‑up to the Netflix competition series Building the Band, which featured Payne as a guest judge alongside McLean.
McLean, who hosted the series, spoke on the Today show about his relationship with Payne during filming. He recalled being deeply honored when Payne sent him the music—seeking his feedback despite their friendship still being relatively new. “He was just an absolute sweetheart, witty, funny,” McLean shared, explaining that Payne wanted his honest opinion on the unreleased demos he had been working on.
He described the music as “beautiful,” expressing hope that the world and Payne’s fans might eventually be able to hear it. The timing of this exchange makes the revelation all the more heartbreaking: Payne passed away on October 16, 2024, after a fatal fall from a Buenos Aires hotel balcony at just 31 years old.
Filming for Building the Band had wrapped up only months earlier, in August 2024, with Payne’s scenes intact and scheduled for posthumous release. Netflix has confirmed that the series, debuting July 9, 2025, will be dedicated to Payne’s memory—a tribute McLean has said will honor his late friend’s warmth, talent, and mentorship.
For fans of both One Direction and Backstreet Boys, McLean’s account offers a bittersweet glimpse into Payne’s continued creative evolution. After launching his solo career post‑1D, Payne released Teardrops in March 2024, his final single before his death, and was working on more music for his second album before shelving it last year.
McLean’s disclosure not only highlights Payne’s artistic output but also adds emotional depth to Building the Band, offering audiences insight into his dedication to his craft and his trust in McLean’s musical sensibility. McLean emphasized how Payne’s gesture reflected both creative ambition and personal vulnerability—wanting feedback from someone he respected and admired.
As the Netflix series premieres, viewers may hear echoes of Payne’s passion for music and mentorship—making each episode more than just entertainment, but also an emotional tribute to a young star gone too soon. And with McLean’s heartfelt hope to share Payne’s unreleased work, fans worldwide can look forward to discovering more of Payne’s musical legacy, even as they mourn his untimely death.
