Building the Band episode 9 recap: The groups battle it out to make it to the finale

Building the Band released a new set of episodes (8-10) on July 23, 2025. Episode 9, titled The Pressure Is On, saw the remaining groups compete for a spot in the final leg of the race. However, despite the efforts and hard work, only three bands advanced, while the rest bid farewell to the competition and their chances of winning the $500,000 prize money.

The competing bands in episode 9 were 3QUENCY, SZN4, Iconyx (formerly known as Soulidified), Sweet Seduction, and Midnight 'Til Morning. While 3QUENCY, SZN4, and Iconyx moved to the finale, Midnight 'Til Morning and Sweet Seduction had to leave the competition based on the audience's votes and the judges' verdict.

The episode also documented the hardships each band faced as they relentlessly rehearsed to perfect their acts. From vocal strain to sleepless nights, the contestants experienced it all to remain in the show. However, the pressure of the contest proved difficult for some, resulting in their eliminations.

The official synopsis of episode 9 of Building the Band reads:

"One contestant faces a singer's worst nightmare: vocal issues. In a bold move, a group changes their song at the last minute. Will it pay off?"

---

What happened in episode 9 of Building the Band?

The Building the Band episode started with Nori from 3QUENCY telling the cameras that her voice was "not 100%." Although she wanted to give it her best shot, she worried about costing her group the competition. However, in contrast to her concerns, the panelists and the audience appreciated 3QUENCY's version of Billie Eilish's Bad Guy.

The judges, Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger, and the late Liam Payne, commended 3QUENCY for delivering a dance-heavy act without sacrificing on the vocals.

With the performances out of the way, most of which happened in episode 8 of Building the Band, it was time for the contestants to hear the audience's verdict. Based on their votes, the three safe groups were SZN4, 3QUENCY, and Iconyx (a.k.a. Soulidified), which meant that Midnight 'Til Morning and Sweet Seduction were in the bottom two.

The panelists deliberated on who to send home, ultimately eliminating Sweet Seduction, noting that Midnight 'Til Morning performed more "like a band." While speaking to the cameras, the evictees stated that it was only the beginning of their journey and that they were proud of how far they had come in the contest.

Shortly after, the remaining four groups began preparing for another night of live performances. First up was SZN4, whose initial song choice was Glimpse of Us by Joji. However, during rehearsals, the group members realized that it was not a "stage song" and that neither of them resonated with it.

They ultimately presented the Building the Band judges with a cover of Bust Your Windows by Jazmine Sullivan. However, SZN4 received mixed reviews, as Nicole loved their act, but Liam felt there was "something musical theater about it."

Next up on stage was Midnight 'Til Morning, who decided to sing Post Malone's Circles. Before they stepped on stage, Shane FaceTimed his parents, expressing how excited he was. At the same time, he stated that he wanted to win the prize money so he could help his parents save his childhood home. Later, Liam met with the band and advised them to put their best foot forward.

While reviewing their act, Nicole said:

"I don't know yet if that was the performance to make it to the final for me. What I do know is that these boys have come a very long way."

The Building the Band star mentioned that she was at a "cross-roads," disappointed with the lack of connection in the act. Kelly expressed a similar sentiment, admitting she was still trying to resonate with their music.

The next band was 3QUENCY, who sang Have You Ever by Brandy. While Kelly questioned their song choice, Liam and Nicole appreciated their vocals and chemistry on stage.

Iconyx was the last group to perform on the Building the Band stage. They sang Saturn by SZA, which the panelists appreciated.

"It was smoothly out of this world, that performance," Nicole said.

Nicole Scherzinger (Image via Getty)

Liam called their act "epic," but advised them to change their group name. Consequently, the boy band went from Soulidified to Iconyx.

With all the performances complete, it was time to hear the public's verdict. Based on the votes, 3QUENCY and SZN4 advanced to the finale, leaving Midnight Til Morning and Iconyx in the bottom two. After much deliberation, the panelists decided to send Midnight Til Morning home.

---

Building the Band is streaming now exclusively on Netflix.

Edited by Raina Saha