Lambert-Allen finale kicks off on `American Idol’

'American Idol' finalists, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert

The force of nature known as Adam Lambert opened the “American Idol” finale, but Kris Allen “won” the first round.

Lambert, the guylinered glam rocker from California, is battling acoustic guitar player Allen from Conway, Ark. For his first song, Lambert sang one of his greatest “Idol” hits, wearing a long, dark coat during the brooding arrangement of “Mad World” from the cult movie “Donnie Darko.”

Like the first time, it was well-received.

“I’m gonna give you an A-plus for that one dude, A for Adam!” gushed judge Randy Jackson.

Allen followed Lambert’s performance with “Ain’t No Sunshine.” The judges’ panel loved the rendition, which featured Allen on the piano.

“When you’re name was announced last week, I wasn’t sure that America had made the right choice,” he said. “I absolutely take all that back now after that performance.”