Lily Allen made a striking appearance as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live on December 13. Joining her was special guest Dakota Johnson, who played a pivotal role in one of Allen’s performances.
The singer performed two tracks from her 2025 album, West End Girl, which explores the breakdown of her marriage. Allen’s album reflects raw, honest emotions following her split from Stranger Things actor David Harbour.
She opened with the track Sleepwalking, the third song on West End Girl, which begins with the lines: “You won’t love me, you won’t leave me / You don’t touch me, still so needy.” During the performance, Allen moved around a staged bedroom, enhancing the song’s themes of heartbreak and betrayal.
Above her, pink neon lights glowed with the words “West End Girl,” emphasizing the album’s confessional nature. Later in the show, host Josh O’Connor introduced her second song, Madeline, which confronts the other woman directly.
From behind a curtained screen, a figure read some of the texts sent to Allen, then stepped through the curtain. Before finishing, the figure delivered the words “Love and light” and kissed Allen on the cheek. Dakota Johnson portrayed the mysterious woman.
The performance was visually theatrical, combining music, storytelling, and performance art to convey Allen’s personal experiences. Recently, Allen revealed that West End Girl might expand into a stage production on the West End.
She told Jimmy Fallon that she has “definitely been having some conversations” about turning the album into a full theatrical show. Allen will also tour the album extensively in 2026, beginning with a theatrical run in March.
During the run, she will perform the full project in sequence, giving audiences the complete West End Girl experience. Following the theatrical performances, Allen will continue her tour with multiple arena dates across the UK and internationally.
Critics have praised Allen’s live performances for their emotional intensity, honesty, and inventive staging. Her SNL appearance has already generated buzz online, with viewers applauding her powerful vocals and cinematic storytelling.
Fans can expect a full blend of music and narrative when Allen takes West End Girl on tour next year. Lily Allen’s performance demonstrates how she continues to push boundaries and connect deeply with her audience.
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