Why Netflix's New Reality TV Show Building The Band Picked The Perfect Judges (2024)

Reality singing competition shows have been a hit with viewers ever since American Idol aired in 2002. Not only are the auditions and the celebrities judging these contestants one of the best things to watch on TV, but seeing these individuals reach new heights that they've never imagined is just as thrilling.

Thanks to American Idol's immense popularity, other singing competition shows have come about, including The Voice and The Masked Singer. In 2024, Netflix announced a new singing competition series, titled Building the Band, that is already proving to be well liked. Although there is no set air date, reality TV viewers are already excited about the show because of the famous judges, who have a wealth of experience being in their own bands.

Why Nicole Scherzinger Is The Perfect Judge For Building The Band

Nicole Began Her Career With Girl Group Eden's Crush

Netflix's newest reality singing competition show Building the Band is already exciting TV viewers after the streaming platform announced who exactly will be judging the series. An Entertainment Weekly article shared that the three celebrity judges who will pick the next greatest band will comprise of Nicole Scherzinger, Liam Payne and Kelly Rowland. In addition, Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean will host the show.

The premise of the show will be entirely different from other singing competitions. According to the outlet, who shared Netflix's announcement, the show will have contestants seeking out their own bands, but the catch is, they cannot see one another and will have to go off of chemistry.

"The singers are in complete control as they seek to form their very own bands in individual 'booths' without ever seeing each other. All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry and merit."

However, once these bands are formed, the contestants will finally be able to see one another, but will they have the same bond? Netflix shared, "What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come to play?"

The EW article did not state what role the judges will have in forming the next greatest band, but the chosen judges are the perfect fit for the reality show.

Nicole Scherzinger has a lot of experience in successful girl groups. In 2001, The WB aired the reality show, Popstars, which aimed to find the next big thing in music. Nicole and four other women, Ana Maria Lombo, Ivette Sosa, Maile Misajon, and Rosanna Tavarez were the winners of the show and formed the group, Eden's Crush. Their debut single, "Get Over Yourself," soared to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and their only studio album was certified gold by the RIA.

Eden's Crush disbanded in 2002. However, Nicole would find success with The puss*cat Dolls, a girl group that only released two albums, but dominated music charts with the songs "Don't Cha," "Stickwitu," and "Buttons." They are regarded as one of the world's best-selling female groups after selling 55 million records worldwide. The group disbanded in 2010, and Nicole would become a household name for her many stints as a reality TV judge.

What makes Nicole such a great judge for Building the Band is her years of experience judging other singing competition shows. She's been a judge on The Sing-Off, The X Factor US, The X Factor UK, and The Masked Singer.

Kelly Rowland Knows A Thing Or Two About Successful Girl Groups

Kelly Rowland, Beyoncé, And Michelle Williams Were A Part Of Destiny's Child

Kelly Rowland will also sit alongside Nicole Scherzinger as a judge for Netflix's Building the Band. Like Nicole, Kelly found tremendous success with girl group Destiny's Child, which was formed in the 90s. Kelly and Beyoncé Knowles were original members of the group, which launched into mainstream success with the 1999 album Writing's on the Wall. Michelle Williams joined the group in the early 2000s, and the women's third album, Survivor, spawned hits like "Independent Women" and "Survivor."

Destiny's Child's fifth and final album, Destiny Fulfilled, was released in 2004, and Kelly, Beyoncé, and Michelle ventured into solo careers. Destiny's Child is highly regarded as one of the most successful girl groups of all time.

What are the best Destiny's Child songs according to The Guardian?

• "Bills, Bills, Bills"
• "Get on the Bus"
• "Survivor"
• "No, No, No Part 2"
• "So Good"
• "Jumpin', Jumpin'"
• "Say My Name"
• "Lose My Breath"
• "Independent Women Part 1"
• "Bootylicious"

Kelly found success as a solo artist with her debut album Simply Deep, which featured the hit single "Dilemma" with rapper Nelly. She would release three more albums before making her debut as a judge on reality TV. The perfect fit for Building the Band, Kelly's hosting duties included The X Factor UK (Kelly is credited for forming the girl group Little Mix),The X Factor USA, and The Voice Australia.

Liam Payne Skyrocketed To Fame As A Member Of One Direction

Nicole Scherzinger Had A Hand In Forming One Direction

The five men from One Direction all pursued solo careers when they each auditioned for The X Factor UK in 2010. The judges at the time, Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, and Louis Walsh, all had a hand in putting Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Liam Payne together to form the boy band, One Direction.

In a never-before seen clip of The X Factor UK, Nicole, Simon, and Louis are seen choosing contestants they believe would be great in a boy band. Liam was the fourth contestant included in the judges' ensemble, with Nicole even arguing with Simon that he would be the band's breakout star.

"If he's the standout, then he could be the leader. I think he would definitely shine."

The three judges had no idea just how huge One Direction would become after carefully forming the band.

One Direction released five studio albums that all soared on the music charts and featured hits like "What Makes You Beautiful," "Best Song Ever," and "You & I." The men had a massive following that could be compared to the likes of The Beatles' fandom. They are highly considered one of the best-selling boy bands of all time.

One Direction disbanded in 2016, with the men pursuing solo projects. Liam embarked on his solo career with the album LP1, which featured the song "Strip That Down," and he continues to make music.

It will be exciting to see Nicole and Liam together again, since she had a huge role in establishing his career. It will also be interesting to see how these three judges will play a role in creating the next big thing in music.

Building the Band has no release date yet, but filming has already started.

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