Dakota Johnson makes surprise cameo during Lily Allen’s SNL performance as "Madeline"

Josh O’Connor hosted the episode, with Allen delivering performances from her latest album before Johnson’s cameo

Dakota Johnson made a surprise appearance on Saturday Night Live during Lily Allen’s performance of her song “Madeline,” delivering a dramatic spoken-word cameo that added an unexpected and emotional layer to the live set.

The moment took place during the December 13 episode, hosted by Josh O’Connor, and quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about highlights.

Allen returned to the SNL stage for the first time in nearly two decades, performing two songs from her new album West End Girl.

She first sang “Sleepwalking” before later performing “Madeline,” a song built around a tense, fictional exchange between the narrator and a woman who may have unknowingly been involved in an affair.

During “Madeline,” Johnson appeared onstage behind a sheer curtain, initially concealed from the audience.

As Allen sang, Johnson delivered the song’s spoken-word passages, portraying the character of Madeline by reciting text-message-style lines addressed directly to Allen’s narrator.

In a calm but cutting tone, Johnson said, “He told me that you were aware this was going on and that he had your full consent. If he’s lying about that, please let me know, because I have my own feelings about dishonesty.”

As the performance progressed, Johnson stepped out from behind the curtain, fully revealing herself to the audience and solidifying the surprise cameo.

At the end of the song, she walked toward Allen, embraced her, and kissed her on the cheek, drawing applause from the Studio 8H crowd and punctuating the emotional tension of the track.

The theatrical performance brought the narrative of “Madeline” to life, turning the song into a live dramatization of betrayal, misunderstanding, and emotional confrontation.

Johnson’s presence emphasized the song’s central themes and gave viewers a rare fusion of music and performance art on the SNL stage.

The cameo marked Johnson’s return to Saturday Night Live, where she has previously appeared as a host, and showcased her willingness to take on a subtle but powerful role in a live musical setting.

Fans quickly took to social media to praise both Allen’s performance and Johnson’s delivery, calling the moment haunting, bold, and unforgettable.