Liam Payne’s sister gets emotional after seeing him in posthumous 'Building the Band’ trailer

Liam Payne’s sister, Ruth Gibbins, experienced a “range of emotions” after watching the trailer for 'Building the Band', the late singer’s final television appearance. The 34-year-old shared that she’s “heartbroken” Liam never got to see himself guest-judging on the show, which was filmed in August 2024, just two months before he died at age 31 after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.

© Stuart C. Wilson

The Payne family gave Netflix permission to air the talent series, which premieres July 9, and Ruth says they are incredibly proud of the job Liam did mentoring aspiring performers, just as he once was when ‘One Direction’ was formed on 'The X Factor' in 2010.

Ruth reflected on the trailer in an emotional Instagram Story shared Tuesday (June 24), writing, “I didn’t know whether to share this, but it felt weird when I’ve raved about Liam’s work and achievements for the last 15 years.”

© IG: Ruth Gibbins

She continued “I’m heartbroken he never got to see how great he is in this show. He knew he had done a good job. We all told him this when we were at filming, but watching it back, wow!" 

A Netflix spokesperson confirmed, “Liam Payne’s family reviewed the series and is supportive of his inclusion.”

© Kevin Mazur

Building the Band is hosted by Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean and features Nicole Scherzinger as a mentor and judge. Liam appears alongside guest judge Kelly Rowland of Destiny’s Child, helping guide 50 musicians as they form six bands without seeing each other beforehand, relying only on vocal performance and instinct. 

Watch the 'Building the Band’ trailer

In the trailer, Liam reflects on his own career, saying, “How these bands are put together is not normal, we were not put together that way.” The series marks Liam’s final on-screen role, a moment of both deep sorrow and lasting pride for those who loved him most.