Pakistan, Sept. 13 -- Liam Payne's connection to the next generation of boy-band hopefuls came full circle in Rio de Janeiro. On Friday night, September 11, Soulidified, the American boy band formed through Netflix's Building the Band, paused during their performance at Rock in Rio 2026 to remember the late One Direction star, who served as a guest judge and mentor on the series.

The group dedicated their song God Did His Thing to Payne, who passed away on October 16, 2024, at the age of 31. With the heartfelt rendition they turned their concert into a tribute for the singer who had played a meaningful role in their Building the Band journey.

The moment was made even more touching by Soulidified member Bradley Rittmann, who performed we...