In the weeks leading up to his death, Liam Payne had begun filming a Netflix reality series that would help find “the next great pop group”.
The 31-year-old singer, who rose to stardom at the age of 16 when he joined the hugely popular X Factor band One Direction, was discovered dead at his Buenos Aires hotel after plunging from his room's third-floor balcony.
The singer was in the city to support his former bandmate Niall Horan, whose world tour included stops in Argentina.
Liam Payne’s deal with Netflix
Despite reports that Payne's second solo album project was recently shelved, the singer has been working on a massive project with Netflix.
It was revealed last month that Payne was a member of a judging panel who would “create the next great pop group, sight unseen”.
The streaming service announced that Nicole Scherzinger, the former singer of The Pussycat Dolls, would be a mentor and judge on the new series Building the Band, according to a press release.
Kelly Rowland from Destiny's Child and Payne were scheduled to accompany her, with AJ McLean from the Backstreet Boys as the host.
“Who better to help build a band than some of the most legendary artists who ever did it? These hitmakers will bring their unparalleled expertise and years of personal experience to the competition,” Netflix said.
“Instead, the contestants will find their perfect bandmates based on compatibility, connection and, most importantly, merit. 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,” Netflix added.
Payne and the other stars were seen in Manchester in August, when the show's filming began over the summer.
In light of the performer's passing, it is still unclear how the show will go forward.
