‘Smurfs’ movie: Rihanna to release first new song in 3 years

Rihanna may not have her ninth studio album ready yet. However, she has a new song coming soon.

The track is called “Friend of Mine.” It was featured in the trailer for the new “Smurfs” movie. Rihanna voices Smurfette in the film.

In the trailer, Rihanna is seen recording the song. She smiles and laughs while adjusting her headphones. The full track will be released on Friday.

“Friend of Mine” is Rihanna's first new song since 2022. That year, she released “Lift Me Up,” an Oscar-nominated song from “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

The “Smurfs” movie follows Smurfette on a mission. She leads the Smurfs to save Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman). He has been mysteriously taken by evil wizards.

The voice cast also includes James Corden, Nick Offerman, and Dan Levy. Other stars include Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Hanna Waddingham, and Kurt Russell.

Fans have been eagerly waiting for Rihanna’s ninth studio album. This would be her first full album since 2016’s “Anti.”

Rihanna is expecting her third child with partner A$AP Rocky. In February, she said she’s closer than ever to finishing the album.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she shared her excitement about it. She feels good about what she wants to do next.

Rihanna did not give a specific release date for the album. However, she mentioned that her new music "feels right."

She expressed that this body of work needs to come out soon. The “Smurfs” movie will hit theaters on July 18.