If you’ve craving the nostalgic spark of watching young talent come together to perform unforgettable music groups; Building the Band on Netflix is the summer reality show that delivers just that and then some. It’s soulful, uplifting and soaked in that 90’s and early 2000’s energy we didn’t even realize we were missing. Hosted by AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys with Nicole Scherzinger mentoring these young groups on screen, this show is a beautiful tribute to the legacy of iconic music groups and a launching pad for a whole new generation of stars.
The show features six bands who were formed by listening to each other sing without seeing each other’s faces and talking to each other on the phone. These six bands will all compete for chance to win the entire competition, based on the audience’s choice, in front of judges, Nicole Scherzinger, Kelly Rowland and the late Liam Payne, whose presence on the show is especially meaningful. His death, shortly after filming wrapped adds a poignant layer to the every episode. And, both Kelly Rowland and Nicole radiate everything you’d expect from a Destiny’s Child and Pussycat Dolls legend; warmth, style, and the kind of leadership that makes you want to step up and shine. Their feedback always cuts through the heart of the matter, helping to shape these young performers into real artists. Between AJ, Nicole, Kelly and Liam, it kind of feels like these contestants are being guided a dream team.
And speaking of dreams, it’s impossible to talk about Building the Band without talking about its top contender, SZN4. This group consists of Cameron, Katie, Aaliyah and Donzell, a powerhouse group who hits the stage like they’ve been carrying the hopes and dreams of every underdog on their shoulders. Every performance has felt like an anthem for the overlooked, the underestimated and the ones who’ve always wanted to be part of something special…and they are! Watching them, you can’t help but root for them, not just because they sound amazing, but because they represent something bigger: belonging, resilience and a whole lot of heart.
Then there’s 3Quency, a girl group that feels like sisterhood personified. Nori, Brianna and Wennelly have this effortless closeness that pulls you right in. Every time they sing, it feels like you’re hanging out with some good friends who just happen to have insane vocal chops. They’re joyful, grounded and completely in synch and you can tell they genuinely like each other, which is rare and beautiful to see in any group dynamic. Their energy is magnetic and the audience can’t seem to get enough.
And just when you think the stage couldn’t get any hotter, Soulidified: Shade, Malik, Landon and Bradley, comes in with that nostalgic, groove-heavy 90’s R&B flavor that hits right in the soul. These four guys have that classic boy band charisma and every performance feels like a celebration. They clearly aren’t just singing strongs, but creating moments as well. Though this group takes you back to the Jagged Edge and 112 days but with a modern twist, make no mistake, Soulidified is carving out a lane of their own. It’s the kind of performance that makes you feel like you’re at a block part, a concert and a family reunion all at once.
With the final episodes dropping on July 23, only one band will technically win, but it already feels like the real prize is the music that’s being born on stage. Every group has something special, something that feels like it’s only just the beginning. Whether it’s SZN4’s heart, 3Quency’s harmony or Soulidified’s groove, there’s a real sense that we’re witnessing the start of something major.
Building The Band is the reality show we didn’t know we needed. It’s a sweet, soulful reminder that music, friendship and dreams are still very alive and well. In a world of solo artists and viral one-hit wonders, this show make us fall in love with the group all over again. And honestly, we’re all better for it!
