Singer: ALLISON IRAHETA
Song: "Cry Baby"
Monkeys As Critics' Take: Allison reports that she went to Adam's hair-dresser this week and it's a big improvement. We've had our share of Janis Joplin impersonators in recent seasons, but Allison thankfully doesn't aim for a strict cover. It's been properly arranged, so that it starts high enough that she doesn't get lost in the early going. And when it gets to the chorus, you best believe Allison gets to bellowing. My read is that it's too clean and not really all that emotionally invested. But it's certainly technically proficient, if a smidge one-note.
Georges Clemenceau, Vittorio Orlando, Woodrow Wilson and Simon Say: Check it. Randy reassures Allison that she can sing her face off, but that this wasn't the right song choice for her. Kara agrees that Janis was fine, but that this wasn't the song she'd have chosen. Paula confusingly says that if they ever do a biopic on Janis Joplin, she's got the role. Would that complete head-to-head with Jenna Maroney's Jackie Jormp-Jomp biopic? Simon didn't see all that much original in the performance. There ensues a confusing conversation about what song Allison should have picked, leading to the most spirit and talking back that Allison has done all season. Too little, too late on the personality?