Los Angeles-based Canadian pop artist, VIBI, makes her television debut in the series premiere of Netflix’s Building the Band reality show starring the late Liam Payne. The show pits singers from around the world in a one-of-a-kind competition where they form bands from inside individual booths, relying solely on musical chemistry until a dramatic reveal tests their choices with looks, style, and performance.
The series debut follows last week’s release of VIBI’s “why you?” official music video, available here. The visual pulls fans further into VIBI’s world of sun-soaked nostalgia and bittersweet angst displayed in the track. Shot by long-time collaborator Dean Binfet and co-written and assisted by Natalie Sawicki, the video features VIBI reflecting on the relationship in a captivating performance against a dreamy, Venice beachside backdrop.
VIBI shares, “The song is an anthem for anyone stuck on the wrong person and captures the emotional tug-of-war of knowing you should move on but cannot.”
Building the Band brings together talented singers for a truly unique competition show where building the perfect band is all about chemistry. The singers are in complete control as they seek to form their very own bands in individual ‘booths’ without ever seeing each other. All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection, chemistry, and merit. What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come into play? With incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal—to find the next great music band—the stage is set for an unforgettable experience.
Earlier this year, VIBI released her debut project, we had fun didn’t we (deluxe), blending early 2000s pop influences with the confessional tone of modern indie pop. The project traces the emotional highs and lows of a “situationship”, moving from excitement to jealousy, anxious attachment, to acceptance. Its breakout single “Laila,” named after the real-life muse, struck a chord with listeners for its sharp, witty, and vulnerable lyrics. Audiences reacted when the real-life Laila wrote a response verse and performed it live with VIBI in a video approaching one million views. The project quickly established VIBI as a rising pop storyteller whose honesty, humor, and catchy songwriting keeps fans coming back for more.
About VIBI:
Somewhere between a pop star and a storytelling indie singer-songwriter lies VIBI, an unmistakably fiery red-haired artist. Born in Niagara Falls, Canada, the Los Angeles-based artist effortlessly blends soaring vocals, narrative songwriting, and nostalgic melodies. After moving to LA, she began mentoring under Stargate (Rihanna, Katy Perry, Sam Smith), honing her skills in the inaugural class of LAAMP. She continued to wow audiences with her vocal prowess, earning a Golden Ticket on American Idol and advancing to Hollywood Week, even receiving praise from judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. Internationally, her songwriting has also been recognized as she took home the grand prize in the pop category of the John Lennon Songwriting Competition. In February 2025, she released her deluxe debut EP we had fun, didn’t we? blending the sonics of early 2000s indie acoustic pop and alt-pop. The independent release has amassed well over half a million streams on Spotify alone, landing her multiple placements on their Fresh Finds playlists. VIBI is currently in the studio writing her first full-length project, to follow her television debut in Netflix’s Building The Band.
