Lily Allen’s ‘SNL’ Performance Sparks Speculation Over David Harbour Split
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Lily Allen recently took to the stage at Studio 8H in New York City to perform her songs “Madeline” and “Sleepwalking” from her latest album, West End Girl, on the December 13 episode of Saturday Night Live. However, keen-eyed fans noticed something peculiar about the set used for Allen’s performance. The stage setup bore a striking resemblance to the Brooklyn, N.Y., home she once shared with her ex-husband, David Harbour, as showcased in a 2023 Architectural Digest video.
During the performance, various elements on the set echoed the interior design choices the former couple had in their home, ranging from the decorative wallpaper and pink silk bedsheets to a green chair and a palm tree lamp. Notably, in the Architectural Digest house tour video, Allen and Harbour delved into their shared love for certain design elements, with Harbour even expressing admiration for the Zuber wallpaper featuring vibrant floral designs that adorned their space.
The uncanny similarities between the SNL set and the couple’s former residence did not go unnoticed by fans. Comments on a YouTube video of Allen’s performance highlighted the use of the same iconic wallpaper that Harbour had previously praised, sparking speculation about whether Allen was subtly alluding to her split from Harbour through the choice of set design.
Confirming the rumours, PEOPLE exclusively reported in February that Lily Allen and David Harbour had indeed separated after four years of marriage. Following their split, the couple put their townhouse, where many of the design elements in question were featured, on the market for $8 million, according to property records.
Interestingly, the two songs Allen performed on SNL, “Madeline” and “Sleepwalking,” delve into themes of tumultuous relationships and heartbreak. “Madeline” narrates a confrontation with a woman who had an affair with the narrator’s husband, while “Sleepwalking” expresses frustrations over a past relationship, reflecting the personal turmoil Allen may have been experiencing during that time.
Moreover, Allen’s performance of “Madeline” on the show included a surprise cameo from Dakota Johnson, who portrayed the eponymous character. The actress appeared on stage behind a sheer curtain, embodying the character of Madeline while Allen sang, eventually revealing herself and embracing Allen towards the end of the performance.
Looking ahead, Allen has announced plans to embark on her most extensive tour to date in North America, showcasing her album West End Girl in its entirety. With nine stops planned across major cities like Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles, the tour promises to be a significant milestone in Allen’s career, showcasing her talents and resilience amidst personal challenges.
In the world of celebrity relationships, where public scrutiny is constant, Lily Allen’s artistic expression through her SNL performance serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of love and heartbreak. The subtle nods to her past with David Harbour in the set design offer a poignant insight into her emotional journey, resonating deeply with fans who appreciate her candid storytelling through music.