R&B sensation Rihanna is set to make her highly anticipated return to music with a fresh new single titled “Friend of Mine.” This Afrobeats-inspired dance track is slated for release on Friday, May 16, marking her first single since the 2022 hit “Lift Me Up,” which was featured in the soundtrack for Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Fans got their first taste of the song in the newly released trailer for the upcoming Smurfs movie, where it will also be included in the official soundtrack.
In the trailer, Rihanna can be seen in the studio, vibing to the rhythmic beats of the track as she records. The snippet gives a glimpse of her smooth vocals singing the catchy line, “You’re looking like a friend of mine,” layered over an upbeat, danceable Afrobeats sound. The brief preview has already stirred excitement among fans who have been eagerly waiting for new music from the global superstar.
This release signifies Rihanna’s musical comeback after a three-year break, sparking anticipation for her long-awaited ninth studio album. She had previously hinted at the project earlier this year, expressing her excitement about its new direction. According to Rihanna, she is committed to delivering something exceptional, stating that she couldn’t release anything “mediocre.” Her upcoming project is expected to reflect her growth and exploration of new sounds, with “Friend of Mine” serving as a promising preview.
Alongside her return to music, Rihanna is also expanding her presence in the film industry. She is lending her voice to the character Smurfette in the upcoming live-action animated musical Smurfs. The film, inspired by the classic Belgian comic book series, features a star-studded cast, including John Goodman as Papa Smurf, Nick Offerman as Ken, Nick Kroll as Brainy Smurf, Xolo Maridueña as Clumsy Smurf, Sandra Oh as Moxie, and James Corden as a yet-to-be-revealed Smurf. Directed by Chris Miller, known for his work on Puss in Boots and Shrek the Third, the movie follows the Smurfs on an adventurous journey into the real world as they attempt to rescue Papa Smurf from the clutches of the evil wizards Razamel and Gargamel.
Rihanna’s influence in the project goes beyond just voicing Smurfette; she is also credited as one of the Executive Producers of the film. Her involvement showcases her expanding footprint in entertainment, further solidifying her status as a multifaceted artist.
In addition to her professional milestones, Rihanna is celebrating personal joy as she is expecting her third child. The news was revealed during her appearance at the 2025 Met Gala, where she showcased her baby bump in a stylish grey two-piece skirt set paired with matching knee-high socks and heels. Rihanna and her partner A$AP Rocky are already parents to two sons—RZA, born in May 2022, and Riot Rose, born in August 2023. Her third pregnancy adds yet another exciting chapter to her life as she balances motherhood with her thriving career.
With “Friend of Mine” marking her grand musical return, a major role in the Smurfs film, and the joy of expanding her family, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for Rihanna.
