Rihanna may not have her ninth studio album ready to release quite yet, but she does have a new song coming out soon to tide everyone over. The track, titled “Friend of Mine,” was featured on Wednesday for the first time in the new trailer for the “Smurfs” movie, in which Rihanna voices the role of Smurfette. In the trailer, Rihanna is seen in the studio during the recording of the song, laughing and smiling while adjusting her headphones. The full track will be released on Friday. “Friend of Mine” is the first new song Rihanna has released since 2022, when she released “Lift Me Up,” the Oscar-nominated song featured in “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” The “Smurfs” movie follows Smurfette, who “leads the Smurfs on a mission into the real world to save” Papa Smurf (John Goodman) after he was “mysteriously taken by evil wizards,” according to an official synopsis. In addition to Rihanna and Goodman, the “Smurfs” movie will feature a voice cast including James Corden, Nick Offerman, Dan Levy, Natasha Lyonne, Sandra Oh, Octavia Spencer, Hanna Waddingham and Kurt Russell, among others. Supporters of the “Umbrella” singer have long waited for Rihanna – who is expecting her third child with partner A$AP Rocky – to release her hotly anticipated ninth studio album, which would mark her first full album since 2016’s “Anti.” In February, Rihanna said she’s closer than ever to completing the task in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, claiming at the time that she “just cracked the code on what I really want to do for my next body of work. I am actually feeling really good about this.” Rihanna stopped short of providing a timeframe for when the album may actually come out, but did say her new music “feels right.” “It feels like it digs right into where I need to be, and I want this,” she said. “This body needs to come out, and I’m ready to go there.” The “Smurfs” movie will be released in theaters on July 18.
Rihanna new music alert: Singer to release first new song in three years for the ‘Smurfs’ movie
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Rihanna to Release New Song 'Friend of Mine' for Upcoming 'Smurfs' Movie"
CNN
7.5
TruthLens AI Summary
Rihanna has announced the upcoming release of her new song titled "Friend of Mine," which is set to debut on Friday. This track will be featured in the new "Smurfs" movie, where Rihanna lends her voice to the character of Smurfette. The announcement came with the release of the movie's trailer, which showcases Rihanna in a recording studio, playfully adjusting her headphones while recording the song. This release marks Rihanna's first new music since her Oscar-nominated song "Lift Me Up," which was featured in the 2022 film "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." The anticipation surrounding her ninth studio album continues to grow, as fans have been eagerly waiting for new material since her last full album, "Anti," released in 2016.
The upcoming "Smurfs" movie follows the adventures of Smurfette, who embarks on a mission to rescue Papa Smurf, voiced by John Goodman, from the clutches of evil wizards. The film boasts an impressive voice cast, including notable actors such as James Corden, Nick Offerman, and Octavia Spencer, among others. In recent interviews, Rihanna has expressed that she is making significant progress on her long-awaited album, stating she feels closer than ever to completing it. She described her new music as feeling right and resonating deeply with her current artistic direction. Although she has not provided a specific release date for her album, her enthusiasm suggests that fans may not have to wait much longer for new music beyond "Friend of Mine." The "Smurfs" movie is scheduled to hit theaters on July 18, providing an exciting outlet for fans to enjoy Rihanna's latest work.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The announcement of Rihanna's new song "Friend of Mine" intended for the upcoming "Smurfs" movie presents an intriguing blend of entertainment news and promotional strategy. This news not only highlights her return to music after a significant hiatus but also serves to generate excitement among her fanbase and the broader audience.
Purpose of the Announcement
The timing of this news is crucial, as it provides a distraction from the ongoing anticipation for Rihanna's ninth studio album, which has been highly awaited since her last full album "Anti" in 2016. By releasing a new song, she can maintain public interest while simultaneously preparing for her upcoming album. The emphasis on her role as Smurfette adds a familial and playful element to her persona, appealing to both adult fans and younger audiences.
Public Perception Manipulation
The article aims to create a positive narrative around Rihanna, framing her as a dedicated artist who is actively working on her music despite personal commitments, such as her pregnancy. This portrayal can enhance her image as relatable and hardworking, thus fostering a deeper connection with fans. However, it may also divert attention from the delays in her album release, subtly managing expectations.
Potential Concealment of Information
While the news focuses on the excitement of new music, it does not address any specifics regarding the timeline of her album release. This omission could indicate a strategic choice to avoid disappointing fans who are eager for a full album. By presenting the song as a standalone event, it allows for a positive spin without the pressure of album-related discussions.
Analysis of Trustworthiness
The news appears to be reliable, stemming from credible sources associated with the entertainment industry. However, the inherent promotional nature of such announcements raises questions about the objectivity of the coverage. The article’s focus on the new single and the film's release creates a carefully curated narrative that may not encompass the complete picture of Rihanna's musical journey.
Societal and Economic Implications
Rihanna's release may have a ripple effect on entertainment and music markets, especially with the film's release. The synergy between the music and movie industries can boost box office sales and streaming numbers, potentially affecting the stock prices of companies involved in these sectors, such as record labels and film studios.
Audience Engagement
The announcement targets multiple demographics, including long-time Rihanna fans, families looking for family-friendly content, and younger audiences familiar with the Smurfs franchise. This broad appeal can enhance community engagement around both the song and the film, creating a collective excitement.
Impact on Market Dynamics
In terms of market influence, this news could affect shares related to film and music production companies, as well as streaming services that may feature the new song. Investors might take note of the buzz surrounding Rihanna to make informed decisions about their holdings in the entertainment industry.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the news primarily focuses on entertainment, it reflects broader cultural trends and consumer behavior shifts. As Rihanna continues to navigate her career alongside personal life changes, it illustrates the evolving landscape of celebrity and artist engagement with the public. However, it does not have a direct impact on global power dynamics or political issues.
Artificial Intelligence Consideration
There is a possibility that AI tools were utilized in crafting the news article, particularly in structuring the narrative to be engaging and informative. Such AI models could enhance the writing style, ensuring clarity and appealing presentation. The language used promotes a sense of excitement and anticipation, which could be a direct influence of AI-assisted content generation.
The overall analysis suggests that while the news is largely positive and celebratory, it serves strategic purposes for both Rihanna and the associated entertainment entities. The article effectively balances information and promotion, creating a compelling narrative for audiences and stakeholders alike.