Dakota Johnson calls Taylor Swift the most powerful person in America on SNL

Dakota Johnson called Taylor Swift the most powerful person in America on Saturday Night Live, the camera finding Swift in a 2015 audience photo right after Donald Trump.

Johnson hosted the January 27, 2024 episode for the second time; she first hosted on February 28, 2015, shortly after the SNL 40th anniversary special. The night included a Shark Tank sketch with Mark Cuban and Barbara Corcoran. “The last time I hosted was right after the SNL 40th. I was actually in the audience for that special,” she said as a photo from that audience appeared onscreen featuring her, Sarah Palin, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Donald Trump and Taylor Swift.

“Look at this photo, look at this collection of people: Sarah Palin, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg. And look who's sitting right behind me.” The camera zoomed in first on Trump. “Crazy to be standing so close to someone who would become the most powerful person in America,” Johnson said while it moved to Swift seated in front of her. The SNL audience erupted in cheers.

“Tonight is also a sort of reunion for me and Justin Timberlake. We were actually in a movie together, called The Social Network.” They starred together in one scene in the 2010 film. Timberlake, the musical guest who performed “Selfish” and debuted “Sanctified” with Tobe Nwigwe, surprised her by walking onstage. “What are you doing up here, are you lost?” she asked. “If you want me to be in sketches, I have hosted before ...” he said. Jimmy Fallon appeared dressed as Barry Gibb and said, “Break a leg.”