The Netflix singing competition Building the Band may have crowned 3Quency as its official winner, but there’s no denying that SZN4 has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The group — made up of Cameron Goode, Katie Roeder, Aaliyah Rose, and Donzell Taggart — is proving that their journey is just beginning.
From Strangers to Family
When SZN4 was first formed, the members hadn’t even seen each other in person. They chose to team up purely based on audio-only performances and heartfelt conversations. Their blind leap of faith paid off: despite being the only mixed group in a field dominated by girl groups and boy bands, SZN4 stunned the judges week after week with their powerful harmonies and undeniable chemistry.
Though they finished second, the band quickly became the most-streamed finalist of the season, according to Luminate’s global song stream data. Their moving cover of Rag’N’Bone Man’s “Human” and their electrifying version of Jazmine Sullivan’s “Bust Your Windows” left both the audience and judges in awe.
A Lesson From Liam Payne and Kelly Rowland
Many legendary acts never won their competitions — One Direction, for example, placed third on The X Factor. Judge Liam Payne reminded contestants of that fact, encouraging them to see the bigger picture. Tragically, Payne passed away at the age of 31 after filming wrapped, making his mentorship even more meaningful to SZN4.
Kelly Rowland, another judge, also played a pivotal role in guiding the group. She consistently praised their unconventional chemistry, urging them to stay true to their unique sound. For the band, this advice continues to shape their creative process as they move forward.
An Unforgettable Performance
Reflecting on their finals performance of “Human”, Cameron Goode recalls the raw emotion:
“That song was therapeutic for us. The moment we stepped on stage, it was like we turned into superstars. I barely remember details — it was all about telling the story. It was so powerful from start to finish.”
Host AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys was visibly moved, even tearing up as the group sang.
The Real Victory: Finding Each Other
While SZN4 didn’t take home the official crown, the members say the true win was discovering each other.
“The win for us was meeting each other,” Aaliyah Rose shared. “It’s like we all speak the same language through music. I’d do it a million times over.”
Their bond has only deepened since filming, with Donzell Taggart admitting the experience gave him the confidence to fully be himself, while Katie Roeder treasures the flood of DMs from fans thanking them for the inspiration to chase their own dreams.
Fans, Faith, and Family Moments
One of the most touching highlights of the season came when Liam Payne left the judges’ panel to hug Donzell’s mother in the crowd.
“That was the Holy Spirit,” Donzell recalled. “It meant so much that my mom got to share that moment with me. We’ll cherish it forever.”
Katie Roeder added that the support from fans through messages has been overwhelming:
“People write to say we inspire them to be who they are. That makes me tear up. Knowing we touch lives is the ultimate win.”
Creating Their Own Sound
Now, SZN4 is channeling their energy into original music. While they built their reputation on powerful covers, they’re excited to showcase their own artistry.
“We’re literally family,” Cameron explained. “We’re figuring out our sound in real time, and fans get to grow with us.”
Aaliyah Rose added:
“Looking back, we were babies on the show. Now we’re ready to unleash everything we’ve been building inside.”
Lessons That Last
From their pre-show huddles and prayers to the advice of Kelly Rowland, the group is determined to keep their trust and connection alive.
“Kelly always said we shouldn’t work, but we just do. That’s music binding us together,” Cameron said.
For Katie, the lesson is clear:
“We were told to always trust each other and stay true to ourselves. That’s what makes us SZN4.”
Moments They’ll Never Forget
The band members look back fondly on both big performances and behind-the-scenes memories.
Donzell loved performing “Bust Your Windows”, despite the nerves, while Katie cherished the downtime spent laughing and bonding with the crew. Cameron’s favorite part was seeing their arrangements come together on stage, each time better than the last.
As Donzell summed it up:
“There’s no formula to life. We just want to love people, tell stories, and make beautiful music. We couldn’t have planned this — it’s pure magic.”
