Dakota Johnson Plays ‘Madeline’ During Lily Allen’s SNL Performance

Dakota Johnson surprised fans with a special appearance on the latest episode of “Saturday Night Live.” The star took on the role of “Madeline” during Lily Allen’s performance of the track with the same name. Throughout the performance, Johnson remained mostly hidden behind a screen as Allen sang about the mistress, but she delivered the spoken word portion of the song, adding a mysterious and captivating element to the performance.

In the song, Allen sings about an arrangement she had with her significant other to be discreet and not blatant, with payments involved and encounters with strangers. However, she addresses Madeline, stating that she is not a stranger despite the circumstances.

As the song progresses, Madeline shares her side of the story through texts to Allen, expressing her concern for Allen’s pain and emphasizing the importance of honesty and communication. Towards the end of the performance, Johnson emerged from behind the curtain and approached Allen, sharing a quick kiss that added an unexpected twist to the performance.

“Madeline” has become a standout track from Allen’s latest album, “West End Girl,” sparking speculation about the identity of the mysterious character. While some believe Madeline to be a real person, Allen has mentioned that the character is a composite of several women.

During her appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” Allen also performed “Sleepwalking” from “West End Girl,” showcasing her honest and raw songwriting. The album has received widespread acclaim for its brutal honesty and craftsmanship, particularly in addressing Allen’s breakup with David Harbour without explicitly naming him in the lyrics.

Critics have praised “West End Girl” as a potential album of the year contender, with its compelling storytelling and candid lyrics. The album marks Allen’s return to the music scene since 2018, and she has announced a tour in March to support the release.

This isn’t Allen’s first time on “Saturday Night Live,” as she previously appeared on the show in 2007. During her previous appearance, Allen performed tracks from her debut album, “Alright, Still,” showcasing her unique sound and style to a wider audience.