The global superstar Rihanna stepped into the spotlight once again on July 13, 2025, attending the Los Angeles premiere of her new animated film ‘Smurfs’ with her two young sons in tow. The pregnant singer, who is expecting her third child with partner A$AP Rocky, showcased her growing baby bump in a glamorous chocolate brown ensemble while holding hands with RZA, 3, and Riot, nearly 2. The family appearance marked another milestone in Rihanna’s remarkable journey from music icon to business mogul to devoted mother.
A Star-Studded Family Affair
The Paramount Theater in Los Angeles became the backdrop for a heartwarming family moment as Rihanna arrived with her two biggest fans by her side. The “Umbrella” singer wore a stunning chocolate brown look featuring a lace-trimmed top, ball gown-style skirt, and matching leather jacket, with her hair styled in an elegant updo. Her sons were equally stylish for the occasion, beaming with excitement as they met Papa Smurf during a sweet meet-and-greet session.
The appearance comes as Rihanna prepares to welcome her third child, having announced her pregnancy at the 2025 Met Gala in May. A$AP Rocky seemed to hint at the baby’s gender during the Brussels premiere, suggesting they might be expecting their first daughter. When asked if this was “the girl you’ve been waiting for,” Rocky responded with a smile, “It is, man, it is”.
Rihanna’s Expanding Entertainment Empire
The ‘Smurfs’ premiere represents more than just another red carpet appearance for Rihanna. The 37-year-old mogul voices the beloved character Smurfette in the animated film and serves as both producer and musical contributor. Her involvement in the project includes writing and recording original songs, with “Friend of Mine” serving as her first new music release in nearly three years.
The track, which dropped in May 2025, showcases Rihanna’s evolution as an artist with its Afrobeats-influenced sound. Critics praised the song’s ability to appeal to both children and adults, with one reviewer noting it “suggests a new approach for Rihanna’s music in the mom-ionaire era”. The song peaked at number 1 on the US Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart and reached the top 20 in several international markets.
The Business Behind the Bump
While Rihanna’s pregnancy might slow down some celebrities, the Barbadian-born star continues to maintain her position as one of America’s most successful self-made women. According to Forbes, her net worth stands at $1.4 billion as of 2025, making her the 35th richest self-made woman in the United States. However, her wealth did experience a significant decline in 2025, dropping by $400 million due to challenges in her business ventures.
The primary source of Rihanna’s fortune remains Fenty Beauty, the cosmetics company she co-owns with luxury conglomerate LVMH. Launched in 2017 with an unprecedented 40 foundation shades, the brand revolutionized the beauty industry by prioritizing inclusivity. The company’s success has been dubbed “The Fenty Effect,” forcing other beauty brands to expand their shade ranges and diversify their marketing approaches.
Her lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty, has also contributed significantly to her wealth, with the company valued at over $3 billion. Rihanna owns approximately 30% of the brand, which has gained recognition for its body-positive messaging and diverse representation.
Music Industry Anticipation
Despite her business success, fans continue to eagerly await Rihanna’s return to music with her long-anticipated ninth studio album, referred to as “R9.” The singer has been working on new material for eight years, recently telling Harper’s Bazaar that she has finally “cracked the code” on her artistic direction. She emphasized that the new album won’t be “commercial or radio digestible” but will represent where her “artistry deserves to be right now”.
The wait for new music has been particularly challenging for fans, as Rihanna hasn’t released a full album since “Anti” in 2016. That album achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, spending 224 weeks on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart. Her most recent musical output before “Friend of Mine” was “Lift Me Up” from the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack in 2022, which earned her Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.
Fashion Icon Status Continues
Throughout her pregnancy, Rihanna has continued to cement her status as a fashion icon. Her recent appearances have showcased her ability to blend high fashion with maternity wear, setting new standards for expectant mothers in the entertainment industry. At the Brussels premiere of ‘Smurfs,’ she wore a custom Chanel ensemble that took 840 hours to create, featuring sequins, crystals, and feathers.
Fashion critics have consistently praised Rihanna’s “high-low” dressing approach, which combines luxury pieces with accessible fashion. Her influence extends beyond clothing to beauty trends, with her hairstyles and makeup choices frequently becoming viral sensations. The singer’s fashion evolution from her early 2000s Caribbean-inspired looks to her current sophisticated aesthetic has been documented extensively, with Vogue featuring her boldest style moments throughout the years.
Supportive Partnership with A$AP Rocky
As Rihanna navigates her third pregnancy, A$AP Rocky has stepped up as both a partner and father. According to sources close to the couple, the rapper has been “incredibly attentive and nurturing throughout this pregnancy”. He reportedly handles bedtime routines, entertains their sons, and takes care of household responsibilities to allow Rihanna to rest.
The couple’s relationship has deepened since becoming parents, with their bond strengthening through their shared commitment to family. Rocky’s recent legal victory in Los Angeles, where he was found not guilty of assault charges, removed a significant source of stress for the family. The couple has maintained their tradition of choosing names that start with “R,” continuing the pattern established with RZA and Riot.
Awards and Recognition
Rihanna’s influence extends far beyond her business ventures and personal life. She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including nine Grammy Awards, 13 American Music Awards, and seven MTV Video Music Awards. Her 2016 MTV Video Vanguard Award recognized her lifetime achievement in music videos, placing her among legendary artists like Beyoncé and Britney Spears.
The singer’s impact on popular culture has been recognized by various organizations, with her receiving honors for both her artistic contributions and business achievements. Her 2023 Oscar nomination for “Lift Me Up” demonstrated her continued relevance in the entertainment industry, even during her music hiatus.
Social Media Influence
With over 107 million followers on Instagram, Rihanna remains one of the most followed celebrities on social media. Her posts regularly generate millions of views and engagement, demonstrating her continued cultural relevance. The singer’s social media presence has been instrumental in promoting her business ventures, with campaigns like the #FentyFace Challenge generating widespread user-generated content.
Her influence on social media extends beyond product promotion to cultural commentary and personal expression. Recent posts celebrating her sobriety and family life have resonated with fans, showing a more personal side of the global superstar.
Looking Ahead
As Rihanna prepares for the arrival of her third child, speculation continues about her future projects. Reports suggest she may be planning a major comeback tour for 2025, with rumors of a $40 million deal with Live Nation. Additionally, there’s speculation about a potential headline performance at Glastonbury Festival, which would mark her first appearance at the iconic event.
The success of “Friend of Mine” and her continued involvement in entertainment projects suggest that Rihanna is far from retirement. Her ability to balance motherhood, business ventures, and creative projects demonstrates the evolution of a true multi-hyphenate entertainer.
The Legacy Continues
Rihanna’s appearance at the ‘Smurfs’ premiere with her sons represents more than just a promotional event; it symbolizes the continuing evolution of one of entertainment’s most influential figures. From her breakthrough with “Umbrella” to building a billion-dollar business empire, she has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined what it means to be a modern celebrity.
Her journey from a young singer from Barbados to a global icon serves as inspiration for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs worldwide. As she prepares to welcome her third child and continues expanding her creative and business ventures, Rihanna remains a powerful force in entertainment, fashion, and business.
The pregnant superstar’s radiant appearance at the premiere, surrounded by her children and celebrating her latest creative venture, perfectly encapsulates her current chapter as both a devoted mother and unstoppable mogul. With new music on the horizon and her business empire continuing to grow, Rihanna’s influence shows no signs of diminishing as she enters this exciting new phase of her life.
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