Singer: ALLISON IRAHETA
Song: "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing"
Monkeys As Critics' Take: Well, somebody had to sing this favorite old "Idol" chestnut. I'd have bet on Danny Gokey, but maybe Allison just got first dibs? She's accompanied by a strings-enhanced arrangement, mumbling and stumbling for the first verse, not exactly missing notes but not really steering the melody either. As per usual, she finds herself at the chorus, which has been retailored to be nearly unrecognizable. The advantage of the new arrangement is that even though Allison is giving almost the exact sort of assuredly bellowing performance she's been doing for two months, it feels like a fresh song, rather than just an Aerosmith knock-off. It's not my favorite of Allison's performances and I don't know that this is the song I'd have recommended given the breadth and depth of the theme, but this may be the most I've liked this song on "Idol." 
Mean Joe Green, L.C. Greenwood, Ernie Holmes and Simon Say: Paula gets to kick things off, announcing that Allison possesses the same "special sauce" that Adam does. Simon suggests that Paula is referring to BBQ sauce. Nobody laughs, but there's some enthusiasm when Simon proclaims, "I think, Allison, that you are the girls' only hope left in the competition." His point is that Allison has decided that she can win this thing.