The superstar lends her voice—and a new single—to Smurfette in her most whimsical project yet.
A (sort of) comeback to the charts
Rihanna is making music again—but not in the way fans might have expected. The global superstar, beauty mogul, and soon-to-be mother of three has officially released a new single titled “Friend of Mine,” featured on the soundtrack for the upcoming Smurfs movie, set to hit theaters July 18. While it’s not the long-awaited album that fans have been begging for since ANTI dropped in 2016, the release marks her first new track in three years, following 2022’s emotional ballad “Lift Me Up” for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Co-produced by Fallen, Jon Bellion, and Pete Nappi, “Friend of Mine” introduces Rihanna’s voice over an airy Afrobeats-inspired instrumental, blending warmth and nostalgia in a soundscape that’s as playful as the animated film itself. A preview of the track first dropped alongside the movie’s official trailer on Wednesday, offering fans a glimpse not only of the soundtrack but of Rihanna herself—voicing none other than Smurfette.
Her participation in the film isn’t limited to the soundtrack: Rihanna is an executive producer on the project and lends her acting chops to the role of the iconic blue heroine. Joining her are a star-studded cast including John Goodman, Nick Offerman, Sandra Oh, James Corden, and more. The plot? Classic Smurfs meets a modern twist: Smurf Village must journey to the real world to rescue Papa Smurf from the clutches of the villainous wizard Gargamel.
Smurfette, sequins, and a Fenty fantasy
In the behind-the-scenes snippets revealed in the trailer, Rihanna appears animated and candid, laughing through takes as she voices Smurfette. Her affection for the character—and for the project as a whole—is palpable. But ever the businesswoman, Rih didn’t stop at voicing a character or singing a song—she also turned the project into a branding opportunity.
To celebrate her musical return and animated debut, Rihanna unveiled the Smurfette Collector’s Tin, a $150 limited-edition drop from Fenty Beauty. The bundle includes seven whimsical, themed items like a Smurf-blue liquid lipstick, body cream, and a cloud-shaped makeup sponge. As always, the packaging blends her edgy, fashion-forward aesthetic with the playful charm of the Smurfs universe.
The announcement came just days after Rihanna stole the show at the 2025 Met Gala, attending alongside longtime partner and co-chair A$AP Rocky. In signature form, she arrived late—draped in a custom Marc Jacobs gown—and made headlines by debuting her baby bump, confirming that baby number three is on the way. It’s the second time she’s used the iconic event as a runway for maternity fashion, the first being her white Valentino ensemble from two years prior.
Fans still want the album—but this will do (for now)
While “Friend of Mine” may not be the full studio album fans have been craving, it’s a sign that Rihanna hasn’t fully closed the door on music. And for her diehards—who’ve been streaming ANTI on loop for nearly a decade—this moment is at least something. In fact, whispers of more to come have only grown louder in recent months. Back in February, The Telegraph reported that Rihanna was potentially planning a surprise London residency in early July, a rumor that sparked global excitement, though no official announcement followed.
This Smurfs project, however, is no half-hearted commitment. Rihanna isn’t merely lending her voice to the film or its music—she’s shaping the creative tone of the project from the inside out. From co-producing the soundtrack to voicing its leading character and curating Fenty’s themed collection, it’s clear she’s more invested in this moment than a simple one-off cameo.
“Friend of Mine” is part of a broader soundtrack that also features tracks from Tyla and the previously released “Higher Love” by DJ Khaled, Cardi B, and Desi Trill. But it’s Rihanna’s contribution that’s drawing the most attention—and rightly so. With a sunny beat, heartfelt lyrics, and a cinematic tie-in that feels made for kids and grown-ups alike, this could be the summer sleeper hit fans didn’t see coming.
Will this spark a bigger musical return?
With motherhood, a billion-dollar beauty empire, and a film role all in play, it’s easy to understand why Rihanna’s pace in music has slowed. Still, every tease—whether it’s a Met Gala hint, a rumored tour, or a soundtrack feature—keeps fans on high alert. While “Friend of Mine” doesn’t guarantee an album, it does serve as a refreshing reminder of her effortless presence on a track. She hasn’t lost a step—and if anything, her voice has only grown richer with time.
If Friend of Mine is Rihanna dipping her toe back into the music world, it’s a promising start. And if this Smurf-blue comeback is any indication, she’ll do it the way she does everything else: on her own terms, with impeccable style, and with the world watching.
Whether you’re in it for the song, the movie, or the Fenty drop, Rihanna’s return—sort of—is worth the wait.
