Dakota Johnson Joins Lily Allen on Stage in a Surprise SNL Performance as ‘Madeline’
Dakota Johnson and Lily Allen.
Credit:
Saturday Night Live/YouTube
NEED TO KNOW
- Dakota Johnson joined Lily Allen for her musical guest performance on the Dec. 13 episode of Saturday Night Live
- Johnson appeared in character as Madeline from Allen’s song of the same name, featured on her album, West End Girl
- Lyrics on the album were inspired by the breakdown of Allen’s marriage to David Harbour
On Saturday, December 13, Dakota Johnson made a surprise appearance on the latest episode of Saturday Night Live, marking her return to Studio 8H. The episode was hosted by Josh O’Connor, with Lily Allen serving as the musical guest.
As part of Allen’s performance, Johnson took the stage to portray Madeline, a character from the song “Madeline,” featured on Allen’s new album West End Girl. The song narrates a confrontation with a woman named Madeline who had an affair with the narrator’s husband.
During the performance, Johnson initially stayed hidden behind a sheer curtain, waiting for the moment to deliver her lines in character. As the song progressed, she stepped out to join Allen at center stage. “I hate that you’re in so much pain right now… He told me that you were aware this was going on and that he had your full consent,” Johnson, as Madeline, stated.
She added, “If he’s lying about that, then please let me know. Because I have my own feelings about dishonesty. Lies are not something that I wanna get caught up in,” before kissing Allen on the cheek and embracing her. Johnson is a veteran of the show, having hosted SNL on two previous occasions.
Allen also performed “Sleepwalking” during the episode, a song that references her split from David Harbour, further showcasing her emotional journey following their separation.
In “Sleepwalking,” Allen reflects on her past relationship, expressing sentiments like, “Looking back, it’s so absurd / Course I trusted you and took you at your word… / But you let me think it was me in my head / And nothing to do with them girls in your bed.”
Johnson kisses Allen during her ‘SNL’ performance of ‘Madeline’ on Dec. 13.
Saturday Night Live/YouTube
Reports confirmed that Allen and Harbour, who were married for four years, had separated in February. An insider revealed at the time, “Her marriage has been crumbling, and they have split.”
Allen and Harbour first sparked romance rumors in 2019, eventually marrying in a Las Vegas ceremony in 2020. The couple celebrated with Allen’s two daughters from her previous marriage with Sam Cooper.
Lily Allen (left) and David Harbour (right) in December 2023.
JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty
Allen released West End Girl in October 2023, featuring lyrics inspired by her turbulent marriage. She has indicated that some songs are written in character, blending her personal experiences with fictional elements.
In the album, she explores themes of relationships and trust, combined with a touch of fiction in what she describes as a mixture of reality and storytelling.
Other notable tracks include references to exploring unconventional relationships, highlighting the ups and downs of love. Some titles like “Pussy Palace” and “Nonmonogamummy” reflect this journey.
Saturday Night Live airs weekends on NBC.
