There are only a few days left of Love Island USA season 7, but fear not: Building the Band is about to be your next reality TV obsession. Personally, I’ve been bored of American Idol and America’s Got Talent for what feels like decades, and I’m in dire need of pop bands to add to my playlists. I think this new type of music competition is exactly what society’s been craving.
In Building the Band, contestants participate in blind auditions, getting to know each other’s voices and musical styles while listening from soundproof pods. Then, based only on sound and vibes, they decide who they want to form bands with. It’s basically like if Love is Blind and The Voice got married… a genius concept, really. The show was actually one of Liam Payne’s last projects before he tragically died last year. He served as a kind and encouraging guest judge, which makes the series extra special.
The first four episodes dropped on Netflix on July 9, and there are more episodes to come on July 16 and July 23. So far, five bands have formed and I’m already invested these groups. Like, there just might be a One Direction or Fifth Harmony 2.0 in our midst… Here’s what to know about the Building the Band cast, including the bands formed and the members’ Instagrams.
Building The Band Season 1 Cast: Bands Formed, Instagrams
Bands Formed On Building The Band
BAND 1: Donzell, Aaliyah, Cameron, Katie

In episode 2, Donzell, Aaliyah, Cameron, and Katie become the very first band of the show, and they perform a stunning rendition of “Too Sweet” by Hozier. “You guys are like the perfect ingredients,” celeb judge Nicole Scherzinger tells them after the performance. “Everybody is just so different and unique, but at the same time, you sound beautiful together already.” I’m obsessed with this R&B, soul, and pop vibes group already. (Good thing Donzell changed his mind about being in a boy band!)
Their Instagrams: Donzell @donzelltaggart, Aaliyah @aaliyahrosemusic, Cameron @cameron.goode, Katie @katieroeder
BAND 2: Landon, Shade, Malik, Bradley
Right at the beginning of the experience, Landon makes his wishes clear: “I 100% want to be in a boy band because it’s dope.” I’m happy to report that that worked out for him! He wound up bonding with Shade, Malik, and Bradley over shared passions for R&B and choreography, and they performed “Finesse” by Bruno Mars. Nicole thinks these boys “fit really well together” and I have to agree.
Their Instagrams: Landon @landoboyce, Shade @shadejenifer, Malik @malikheard, Bradley @bradleyrittmann
BAND 3: Nori, Wennely, Brianna
Nori, Wennely, and Brianna are all about “sisterhood,” but they’re also intent on showing off their individual personalities when they perform as a group. These baddies make a truly iconic trio and I applaud their song choice, “Levitating” by Dua Lipa. (You really can’t go wrong with Future Nostalgia.) Nicole gives them props for really listening to each other making adjustments when necessary.
Their Instagrams: Nori @noriroyale, Wennely @wennelyquezada, Brianna @briannamazzola
BAND 4: Zach, Mason, Conor, Shane
Well, thank goodness ShaNe and ShaDe aren’t in the same boy band. That’d be hella confusing. Our second boy band of the show had instant chemistry. “Meeting them in person was one of the cooler moments in my life because we all clicked immediately,” Zach says in episode 4. “I think me and the guys could be like best friends, so I’m excited to see how this goes.” They performed “Higher Power” by Coldplay (a classic), and Nicole encouraged them to work on their confidence.
Their Instagrams: Zach @zacharynewbould, Mason @masonwattsmusic, Conor @conorjacobsmith, Shane @shane.appell
BAND 5: Jenna, Autumn, Noriella, Erica
More girl power and we love to see it! In episode 4, these ladies lock in to become the fifth band of the season. “If we have bumps in the road, we’re going to have each other to lean on,” Noriella says. Their cover of “Want to Want Me” by Jason Derulo? Flawless. No notes. Nicole and I were thrilled to hear those harmonies! “When I think girl band, it would be a picture of us,” Jenna says.
Their Instagrams: Jenna @itsjennadave, Autumn @autumnstallia, Noriella @noriella, Erica @ericapadillla