Who Won ‘Building the Band’? Meet the Season 1 Winners of Netflix’s Hit Singing Competition

Netflix’s ambitious music competition show Building the Band has just wrapped its first season, and fans everywhere are still buzzing about the talent, surprises, and the ultimate champions. Whether you’re curious about the show’s format, the list of contestants, or what made the winners special, here’s everything you need to know!

🎬 What is ‘Building the Band’?

Building the Band reimagines the reality music competition by putting collaboration front and center. Instead of searching for a solo star, the Netflix series asks talented singers to form bands through a blind audition process—relying on musical chemistry over visuals.

Key Format Highlights:

• Host: AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys)
• Judges/Mentors: Nicole Scherzinger (Pussycat Dolls), Kelly Rowland (Destiny’s Child), Liam Payne (One Direction)
• Contestants: 50
• Bands Formed: 6 (3–5 members each)
• Filming Location: Manchester, England
• Premiere Date: July 9, 2025
• Finale Date: July 23, 2025

Watch ‘Building the Band’ on Netflix:
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🏆 Who Won Season 1? Meet the Champions & Runner-Up

Winner: 3Quency

• Members: Nori Moore, Wennely Quezada, Brianna Mazzola
• Band Type: All-female trio
• Finale Performances: Chlöe’s “Have Mercy” & Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby”
• Prize: $500,000 (shared)
• Judges’ Comments: Nicole Scherzinger highlighted their “focus, growth, and connection” as the keys to their success.

What Made 3Quency Stand Out?

• Flawless vocal blends and harmonies
• Electric stage presence and unity
• Consistent growth throughout the season
• Commitment to remaining together post-show, with plans for an album or tour

Runner-Up: SZN4

• Members: Donzell Taggart, Aaliyah Rose, Cameron Goode, Katie Roeder
• Group Type: Mixed-gender quartet
• Finale Highlight: Stirred judges and fans with Rag’n’Bone Man’s “Human.” Kelly Rowland even predicted their win, but 3Quency’s consistency clinched victory.

Other Finalists

• Iconyx: Bradley Rittmann, Landon Salling, Malik Evans, Shade Harper (placed in top three)
• Midnight Til Morning: Conor Smith, Shane Appell, Mason Watts, Zach Newbould
• Siren Society: Jenna Davenport, Noriella Gjieli, Autumn Bryant, Erica Padilla
• Sweet Seduction: Elise Kristine, Alison Ogden, Haley Gosserand

📊 Season 1 At a Glance: Stats & Facts

Metric	Value
Initial contestants	50
Bands formed	6
Prize money	$500,000
Judges	Nicole Scherzinger, Kelly Rowland, Liam Payne
Host	AJ McLean
Premiere date	July 9, 2025
Finale air date	July 23, 2025
Winning band	3Quency (Nori, Wennely, Brianna)

🚦 How Does the Competition Work?

• Auditions: Singers audition solo from sound booths, choosing bandmates based only on voice and style.
• Formation: Groups of 3–5, capping at six bands in total.
• Mentorship: Coaches and judges help develop chemistry and performance skills.
• Competition: Ongoing performances, with eliminations by both viewers and judges, until one band wins the grand prize.

❓ FAQ: ‘Building the Band’ Explained

What is the format of ‘Building the Band’?

Fifty contestants join sound booths, choosing bandmates based only on vocal performance—never seeing each other until the final groups are set

How are the bands formed?

Contestants listen and select their group based on voice, style, and musical compatibility, with groups consisting of 3–5 members

What happens after bands are formed?

Formed groups move from the booths into shared apartments, receive coaching, develop their sound, and compete in live performances for judges and studio audiences.

How is the winner chosen?

The winning band is determined by a combination of audience and judges’ votes, with judges having the final say

What’s the main prize?

The winning band receives $500,000 with no obligatory label deals, offering them total artistic freedom

Where was the show filmed?

The series was filmed entirely in Manchester, England, with live performance rounds at Aviva Studios

Who gets to choose the songs?

Bands are given setlists and may collaborate with producers and coaches for performance choices

What are the most popular hashtags and buzzwords for the event?

Popular hashtags include #BuildingTheBand, #NetflixCompetition, #BlindAudition, #BandFormation, and #Chemistry

How many episodes are there?

Season 1 dropped in three weekly blocks, with a total of 10 episodes

Is there a tribute to Liam Payne?

Yes, the debut episode is dedicated to judge Liam Payne, with heartfelt moments from judges and contestants celebrating his musical legacy

How has the public responded to the show?

Building the Band quickly trended within Netflix’s Top 10 globally, with viewers praising its unique format and emotional storytelling

🌟 The Legacy of 3Quency

The rise of 3Quency—Nori Moore, Wennely Quezada, and Brianna Mazzola—marks a victory for not just vocal talent, but for friendship and collaborative artistry. Judges and fans alike were impressed by their growth, harmony, and on-stage chemistry. The group maintains their bond off-screen as well, with aspirations for both recording original music and touring together with their winnings.

📺 Where Can You Watch?

Ready to see the performances yourself? Stream Season 1 now on Netflix!
Watch ‘Building the Band’ on Netflix

📝 Conclusion

Netflix’s Building the Band breathes new life into music competitions by putting harmony, teamwork, and authentic connection in the spotlight. 3Quency’s win showcased the magic that comes from unity and musical chemistry—setting the bar high for future seasons. As excitement lingers, one question remains: will the next season deliver even bigger stars and surprises?