Lily Allen returned to the Saturday Night Live stage last night, 18 years after her last appearance. The pop star performed two songs from her raw, confessional, and widely discussed album, West End Girl. She opened with “Sleepwalking” and closed with “Madeline,” a pivotal album track about confronting the woman her husband is cheating with—a song that has sparked much speculation about the real-life “Madeline.” For last night’s performance, Dakota Johnson took on the role, dressed in her finest lingerie.

During Allen’s performance, Johnson remained behind a sheer curtain, lounging on a boudoir-style bed under hazy pink lights until her moment arrived. Still hidden, she read aloud texts sent to Allen from “Madeline,” then emerged from behind the curtain to kiss Allen on the cheek, concluding with, “Love and light.” Gag!

This was one of many stylish moments throughout the show. Johnson wore a 1920s-inspired sheer lace teddy dress from Bode, adorned with gold ribbons and rosette appliqués, which she paired with a sheer sequined duster coat made of black mesh and crinkled gold foil, also from Bode. Her jewelry included beaded purple earrings by Lizzie Fortunato, an emerald necklace from Roxanne Assoulin, and several rings by Sophie Bille Brahe and her favorite designer, Jessica McCormack. The look perfectly matched the boudoir setting while staying true to Johnson’s signature sheer and sexy style.

Meanwhile, Allen made several outfit changes, embracing her elegant, retro sensibilities and the vintage-inspired dressing room set. For “Sleepwalking,” she wore a mint green silk romper with lace trim, sheer black tights, and black stilettos, layering emerald and orange-stone necklaces. Her hair was swept into a half-up, half-down beehive, complemented by a feline flick of eyeliner, enhancing the nostalgic theater star vibe. For her performance of “Madeline,” she slipped into a black mini-dress adorned with a bow.

Back in 2007, during her first appearance as an SNL musical guest, Allen rocked a prom dress look—a black flared A-line dress with a ruffled skirt and chunky gold earrings, though she swapped sneakers for stilettos. Today, Allen has embraced a more polished style, recently appearing at the 2025 CFDA Fashion Awards in a cream silk bra top and skirt by Colleen Allen—revenge dressing, the Lily Allen way—and walking in the ’80s-glamour-inspired 16Arlington show. We may not have uncovered who Madeline really is, but one thing is clear: Dakota Johnson and Lily Allen make a stylish pair.

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the Thats Madeline sketch from Saturday Night Live featuring Dakota Johnson and Lily Allen

General Beginner Questions

Q What is the Thats Madeline sketch from SNL
A Its a prerecorded digital short from the February 4 2023 episode of SNL It parodies a 1990sstyle childrens TV show where the host Madeline gives bizarrely dark and unhinged life advice

Q Who was in the sketch
A The main stars were Dakota Johnson and musical guest Lily Allen who played a cynical chainsmoking puppet named Karen

Q Why was Dakota Johnson in lingerie
A The costume was a key part of the absurdist humor It created a stark intentionally awkward contrast between her innocent childrensshowhost demeanor and her provocative unsettling attire and advice

Q What song does Lily Allen sing in the sketch
A She sings a darkly comedic slowtempo rendition of her hit song Smile which perfectly fits the sketchs creepy melancholic vibe

Context BehindtheScenes Questions

Q Why was this sketch so popularmemorable
A It became a viral hit due to its perfect blend of surreal humor Dakota Johnsons committed deadpan performance the unexpected cameo from Lily Allen and its catchy weirdly dark catchphrase

Q Was Lily Allens cameo planned or was she just in the audience
A It was a planned cameo As the episodes musical guest she was already there and participated in the sketch which was filmed before the live show

Q Is Thats Madeline a real show
A No its a complete parody It mimics the lowbudget surreal feel of actual 90s childrens programming like The Adventures of Pete Pete or Salute Your Shorts but with a twisted adultoriented edge

Q What was the point or message of the sketch
A It doesnt have a deep message Its classic