Liam Payne’s sister shares emotional tribute after watching his final TV appearance on 'Building the Band'

Nearly nine months after One Direction star Liam Payne’s tragic passing, his sister Nicola Payne has penned a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram, reflecting on his final television appearance on Building the Band. The late singer appeared as a guest judge on the Netflix music competition series and it has now taken on deeper significance for fans and family alike.

“9 months ago today, our lives changed forever. I still find it incredibly hard to process what happened. I'm not sure I ever fully will, or even want to,” Nicola wrote, as she remembered her brother. The episode marked Liam’s last filmed appearance before his untimely death in October last year.

In her note, Nicola also expressed how proud she felt watching Liam on screen: “He wanted to make a difference, and you are lighting up that stage like you were born to do. You were made to be a judge, to guide, to encourage, and to let your voice be heard. Watching you in this show, I’ve never been more proud.” Nicola also highlighted her brother’s natural ability to uplift others. “Liam cared so deeply about the people around him,” she said, adding that his presence on the show was more than just a role — it was an extension of who he truly was.

“I got to witness you shine so bloody brightly, but it's also allowed me to still feel close to you. I love you so much, and I miss you even more. I hate that this happened,” she wrote in a deeply personal closing note.

Liam Payne, who rose to global fame as a member of One Direction, died at the age of 31 after a fall from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires. The news sent shockwaves across the world, and his Netflix appearance in Building the Band has become an emotional touchpoint for fans mourning the singer’s loss.

Netflix and AJ McLean pay tribute to Liam Payne on Building the Band


Meanwhile, Building the Band, now streaming on Netflix, opens with a heartfelt tribute to Liam. Within the show’s opening moments, Backstreet Boys' AJ McLean, who also appears on the series, acknowledged the profound loss. “We never imagined while working on the show that we would lose Liam,” McLean said, as reported by People. He noted that Liam's later appearances as a guest judge revealed not only his undeniable talent but also his unwavering passion for mentoring young artists and helping others grow.


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