Netflix’s Building the Band Is a Singing Show for People Who Don’t Like Them

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As a movie buff who’s seen his fair share of reality TV, you don’t need to tune into singing competitions to grasp the formula: A hopeful steps onto the stage under the scrutiny of famous judges, they perform, these judges press buttons or swivel their chairs or offer praise or utter the bizarre, the contestant moves on, and a complex system of live voting decides the fortunate one with a record deal. Sometimes these judges have squads of contestants. Sometimes there are guest judges and artists. Sometimes it’s a magician – but it all feels the same. Winners of shows like American Idol, X Factor, and The Voice may have had some initial success, but can you recall a winner past 2010? Regardless of network changes or casting gimmicks, this genre seems to be buried in its own ruin. These days, you’re more likely to get an album from Instagram Reels than a season of TV.

The reason why Netflix’s Building the Band, a unique blend of Making the Band and Love Is Blind that premiered on July 9, seems so groundbreaking is because it deviates significantly from what we’re accustomed to seeing in singing competitions. The show places 50 singers inside compact neon shipping containers where they listen to each other’s auditions and assess their peers’ voices by pushing a button to indicate their preferences for potential bandmates. AJ McLean, a member of the Backstreet Boys, serves as both the host and a key figure who tallies likes early on, acting as a guiding force throughout the show. Nicole Scherzinger, a recent Tony Award winner and former Pussycat Doll, plays the dual role of judge and mentor, providing guidance during rehearsals and performances. The program lacks a traditional structure because it’s not being approached in a conventional manner. The groups don’t perform in front of an audience until well into the series.

In “Building the Band,” the contestants’ destinies significantly impact the show’s appeal right from the start, offering a refreshing contrast to the manipulated band-building practices of the late ’90s and early 2000s. Unlike before, these bands are formed not through manipulation by producers or judges but through genuine discussions among the singers. With minimal initial guidance, contestants must ask each other probing questions about their musical preferences, inspirations, and personalities to determine their compatibility. They collaborate in real-time because no one can win alone. Gaining enough likes isn’t sufficient for progress in the competition; contestants must also demonstrate that they are compatible with others. Instead of focusing solely on individual success, these performers aim to find people they can both work and sing with. McLean and Scherzinger exhibit a nurturing, supportive demeanor; their criticism, unlike Simon Cowell’s, is constructive rather than harsh or cutting. The judges, including Kelly Rowland and the late Liam Payne, express concern when bands appear too disjointed, as individuals may be vying for attention, not listening, or lacking trust in the collective potential.>

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=zGKr14AuJ1c

Instead of operating in isolation – although some may emulate well-known solo artists like Harry Styles and Ariana Grande – these singers need to think about their role amidst their contemporaries. One competitor remarks on Donzell’s unique tone, questioning how it would fit within a band due to his natural rasp. Contestant Alison aspires to be the Beyoncé of her group, but can she find two other women willing to play the roles of Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams? Additionally, the type of group these performers aspire to form is an important factor. While there are numerous successful models for boy bands (One Direction, *NSYNC, the Backstreet Boys) and girl groups (Fifth Harmony, the Pussycat Dolls, Destiny’s Child), there are far fewer examples of mixed bands such as Pentatonix or DNCE. As a result, contestants struggle to determine gender roles, which isn’t always straightforward.

As a movie buff, I can’t help but be captivated by the unique twist this show takes on the music competition genre. Instead of being told where to fit, the singers here are given the freedom to discover their place and even name their bands! Some of them go for hilarious retro puns like “3Quency” or “Soulidified.” What’s more intriguing is the charisma these groups exude – not just as individuals, but as ensembles. SZN4, the only mixed-gender band in the show, radiates an enviable chemistry that some artists could only dream of; they support each other through self-doubt and uncertainty. It’s refreshing to see these bands cheer one another on instead of tearing each other down. Instead of watching performers flirt or backstab competitors, I find myself invested in witnessing the groups work out their kinks together. Plus, there’s a wealth of music: With a limited number of singers, we get to see many auditions play out in full, making every moment count!

On July 23rd, the last three episodes of “Building the Band” will air, revealing the triumphant group. Could it be that “Building the Band” is preparing for its own version of the “American Idol” season-one clash between Justin and Kelly? So far, this show has steered clear of rivalries; instead, the front runners rise based on their real-time achievements rather than popular fan votes. The winning band will largely triumph due to their ability to collaborate effectively, not by catering to public opinion. In a business that consistently presents challenges, these bandmates will be thankful for having chosen each other.

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2025-07-18 01:54