On July 13, 2025, the Paramount Theater in Los Angeles buzzed with excitement as Rihanna, the billionaire music icon and entrepreneur, graced the blue carpet for the U.S. premiere of The Smurfs Movie. Pregnant with her third child and accompanied by her two young sons, RZA, 3, and Riot, 1, the 37-year-old star radiated joy and maternal pride. Dressed in a glamorous chocolate brown gown that showcased her baby bump, Rihanna held her boys’ hands, posing for heartwarming photos that captured a rare and tender family moment. As the voice of Smurfette and a producer of the animated reboot, Rihanna’s presence at the premiere was a celebration of her multifaceted career, her deep connection to the Smurfs franchise, and her unwavering commitment to family amidst a whirlwind of personal and professional milestones.

A Star-Studded Premiere with Family at the Heart

The Los Angeles premiere of The Smurfs Movie, set for theatrical release on July 18, 2025, was a vibrant affair, drawing a star-studded cast that included James Corden, Nick Offerman, Daniel Levy, and Hannah Waddingham. Yet, it was Rihanna—born Robyn Rihanna Fenty—who stole the show, not only for her role as Smurfette but for the touching sight of her with her sons. The “Diamonds” singer, expecting her third child with partner A$AP Rocky, wore a figure-hugging brown gown with lace details, a drop-down waist, and a green bow, layered with an edgy black leather jacket. Her dark hair was swept into a chic updo, and she accessorized minimally with small earrings and stylish shades, letting her radiant glow and baby bump take center stage.

RZA and Riot, dressed adorably, were Rihanna’s “biggest fans,” as described by People, meeting characters like Papa Smurf and Smurfette on the blue carpet. The trio’s appearance was a highlight, with Rihanna flashing a warm smile as she guided her boys through the event. In an interview with Extra at the premiere, she shared her excitement: “I’m excited for tonight. Tonight is going to be fun. We get to watch the movie together for the first time. I get to watch it in its full completion. So, that should be interesting.” Her joy was palpable, reflecting both her pride in the film and the delight of sharing the moment with her children.

This family outing came just days after Rihanna attended her father Ronald Fenty’s funeral in Barbados, following his death on May 30, 2025, at age 70 from pancreatic cancer. Despite the emotional weight of this loss, Rihanna’s presence at the premiere showcased her resilience, balancing personal grief with professional triumphs and motherhood. Her ability to shine under such circumstances underscored the strength that has made her a global icon.

Rihanna’s Journey to Billionaire Status

Rihanna’s appearance at the Smurfs premiere is a testament to her remarkable journey from a young singer in Barbados to a billionaire mogul. Born on February 20, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados, Rihanna rose to fame with hits like “Umbrella” and “We Found Love,” earning nine Grammy Awards and selling over 250 million records worldwide. Her entrepreneurial ventures, particularly Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, propelled her to billionaire status, with Forbes estimating her net worth at $1.4 billion in 2023. Fenty Beauty, launched in 2017, revolutionized the cosmetics industry with its inclusive shade range, while Savage X Fenty redefined lingerie with diverse representation and bold campaigns. These achievements have made Rihanna one of the wealthiest self-made women in the world, a title she carries with grace and purpose.

Her role in The Smurfs Movie extends beyond acting, as she also served as a producer, bringing her creative vision to the project. The film, directed by Chris Miller, is a live-action/animated hybrid reboot that follows Smurfette leading a rescue mission to save Papa Smurf. Rihanna’s childhood love for the Smurfs, created by Belgian comics artist Peyo, made her a “perfect fit” for Smurfette, according to producer Ryan Naito. “Rihanna brought that passion, and it shines through in every part of the film,” Naito told People, noting her vital role in refreshing the beloved franchise. She also contributed a synth-heavy single, “Friend of Mine,” to the soundtrack, released on May 16, 2025, with a vibrant music video featuring dancing Smurfs.

A Mother’s Love on Display

Rihanna’s appearance with RZA and Riot at the L.A. premiere was a rare glimpse into her life as a mother, a role she has embraced with humor and devotion. She announced her third pregnancy at the Met Gala in May 2025, following the births of RZA in May 2022 and Riot in August 2023. Her relationship with A$AP Rocky, which began in late 2019, has been a source of strength, with Rocky proving to be her “biggest cheerleader,” according to an exclusive source in People. Rihanna has spoken candidly about motherhood, joking to Harper’s Bazaar in February 2025 that her sons “live for” Rocky more than her, despite her carrying and birthing them. “It’s the best,” she said of watching Rocky as a father, even if it means sharing the spotlight with him.

At the premiere, RZA and Riot’s excitement was evident as they met Smurf characters, with Rihanna guiding them with a protective yet joyful demeanor. The moment echoed her earlier appearance at the global premiere in Brussels on June 28, 2025, where she and Rocky, dressed in a sheer Chanel gown and striped ensemble respectively, charmed crowds and posed with a Smurfette mascot. The Brussels event, held near a Smurf museum, was a festive celebration, with Rihanna linking arms with Smurf characters and engaging with young fans. These appearances highlight her ability to balance her high-profile career with her role as a hands-on mother, even while navigating personal challenges like her father’s recent passing.

The Emotional Weight of Resilience

Rihanna’s presence at the Smurfs premiere carried an emotional undercurrent, as it followed a difficult period. The loss of her father, Ronald Fenty, who had a complex relationship with her marked by periods of estrangement and reconciliation, hit her “like a ton of bricks,” according to a Daily Mail source. Combined with A$AP Rocky’s legal challenges and the demands of her third pregnancy, Rihanna has faced an “emotional roller coaster” in recent months. Yet, her radiant appearance at the premiere, smiling with her sons, showcased her strength and ability to find joy amidst grief.

Her connection to the Smurfs franchise adds another layer of meaning. Rihanna’s childhood affinity for the Smurfs, as noted by People, infused her performance as Smurfette with authenticity and love. The film’s themes of friendship and rescue resonate with her personal values, reflected in her music and philanthropy. Through Fenty Beauty’s social impact initiatives and partnerships with organizations like the Clara Lionel Foundation, which she founded in 2012 to support education and disaster relief, Rihanna has consistently given back to communities in need. While no reports tie her directly to Texas flood relief efforts in July 2025, her foundation’s history suggests she could support similar causes, further aligning with the compassionate spirit of her Smurfs role.

A Cultural Moment and Legacy

The Smurfs premiere was more than a movie event; it was a cultural moment that highlighted Rihanna’s evolution from pop star to multifaceted mogul and mother. Her glamorous yet approachable style—seen in her chocolate brown gown in L.A. and the $70,000 necklace she wore at Paris Fashion Week’s Dior show on June 27, 2025—continues to set trends. Her ability to merge high fashion with maternal warmth, as seen in her interactions with RZA and Riot, has endeared her to fans worldwide. Social media platforms like X buzzed with admiration for her family-oriented appearance, with fans sharing photos of the trio and praising her as a role model.

The film itself, featuring a star-studded cast and Rihanna’s Smurfette-led storyline, is poised to be a summer hit, with her song “Friend of Mine” adding to the excitement. Her childhood connection to the Smurfs, combined with her creative input as a producer, makes the project a personal triumph. As she told Extra, watching the completed film with her sons was a special moment, one that underscored her dedication to creating meaningful experiences for her family and fans.

A Call to Celebrate and Support

As The Smurfs Movie hits theaters on July 18, 2025, Rihanna’s role as Smurfette and her heartwarming appearance with her sons invite fans to celebrate her legacy of resilience, creativity, and love. Her journey from Barbados to billionaire status, coupled with her commitment to motherhood, inspires countless individuals to embrace their own strength. For those moved by her story, supporting her work—whether through watching The Smurfs Movie, streaming “Friend of Mine,” or engaging with Fenty Beauty—amplifies her impact.

Rihanna’s radiant moment at the Smurfs premiere, belly proudly on display and sons by her side, is a testament to her ability to shine through personal and professional challenges. As she prepares to welcome her third child, her legacy as a trailblazer and devoted mother continues to grow, leaving audiences in awe of a woman who embodies strength, grace, and heart.