Dakota Johnson jokes Taylor Swift is ‘most powerful person in America’ on SNL

Dakota Johnson jokes Taylor Swift is ‘most powerful person in America’ on SNL

Dakota Johnson told America who runs this country during the opening of this week’s episode of “Saturday Night Live.” And the reveal should surprise no one.

The “Fifty Shades of Grey” star hit the Studio 8H stage for a 5-minute monologue promoting her new movie, looking back at red carpet antics with her dad Don Johnson and reuniting with a famous co-star.

But first, Johnson reminded the audience the last time she hosted the sketch comedy show was right after SNL’s star-studded 40th anniversary special in 2015.

“I was actually in the audience for that special,” she said, as producers cut to a photo of Johnson doing a bit in the crowd. She pointed out the collection of celebrities seated around her in the auditorium. “Sarah Palin, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg. And look who’s sitting right behind me.”

Cameras then zoomed in on former then-presidential hopeful Donald Trump behind Johnson, sitting amused with his arms folded. But then came the punchline. “It’s just crazy to be standing so close to someone who would become the most powerful person in America,” Johnson said, as the camera quickly panned down the photo to reveal Taylor Swift seated in the row directly in front of her.

The gag obviously references Swift’s influence as a pop icon, still in the midst of her record-breaking Eras Tour which has earned more than $1 billion and further cemented her spot as one of the most popular musicians of all time.

The joke drew a big laugh, as Johnson then promoted her new movie “Madame Web,” hitting theaters on Valentine’s Day, and then welcomed musical guest Justin Timberlake to the stage as they reminisced about co-starring in the 2010 film “The Social Network.”

Saturday marked Johnson’s second stint as host of “SNL,” her first coming in 2015 with musical guests Alabama Shakes. The Grammy-winners from Athens performed “Don’t Wanna Fight” and “Gimme All Your Love” in their second appearance on the show.