Liam Payne will be getting a special mention during tonight’s Grammy Awards, but there will be no One Direction reunion .
Fans had been hoping the band would reunite after Liam sadly died in October at the age of 31. Rumors started circulating after Louis Tomlinson was spotted supporting Zayn Malik at the singer’s Los Angeles show last month.
Louis and Zayn have grown apart in recent years, but it seems Liam’s death has reunited them . However, they won’t be coming together for a performance just yet as Grammys producer Ben Winston has revealed there will be no One Direction appearance at this year’s Grammys.
Ben, who was a close friend of Liam’s, said there will be a tribute to Liam at the event which will feature in the memoriam section. “It is a very difficult time. Losing Liam was very, very tough. No doubt about it. But, no, there will be no One Direction performance,” Ben said.
He described Liam as “the most beautiful, wonderful boy” and said he continues to love him every day. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday’s Bizarre column, Ben added, “Actually that is a very sad thing for me — when you are going through rehearsals and seeing the clips and a guy that was sat in this office four weeks before that tragedy happened.”
He continued, “Seeing him up on that screen is not something that I would ever have imagined. It is extra sad for people — not just me who loved Liam, but for many.”
Liam sadly died in October after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An autopsy ruled he died instantly after his fall which caused “multiple traumatic injuries” and led to “internal and external haemorrhage.”
Liam will now make a posthumous appearance on Netflix’s upcoming talent show Building the Band . He will feature as a guest judge alongside Destiny’s Child’s Kelly Rowland.
The show’s concept is reminiscent of Love is Blind, with aspiring pop stars forming bands without ever meeting face-to-face. Netflix had postponed the launch of the competition show, but it’s believed to now be going ahead.
Vice President of Netflix’s unscripted series, Brandon Riegg previously said discussions with Liam’s family were ongoing in regards to the show’s release. “So Liam was part of Building The Band and we have been in touch with his family to discuss what role that will play,” he said.
Brandon added, “There is nothing to announce yet. But we have been speaking with his family.” When Netflix originally delayed the project, a source said, “It is too soon to make a decision, but the show has definitely not been shelved. Filming was completed at the end of summer. Netflix will sit down with Liam’s family when the time is right to speak about the series and when it could be released.”
Speaking about Building the Band, Netflix has teased, “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.”
The streaming giant added, “What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come into play? With incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal – to find the next great music band – the stage is set for an unforgettable experience.”
