Critical Reception
The song received favorable reviews from music critics. In a positive review, David Brownie from Entertainment Weekly wrote: "The album has moments: The ballad Beautiful is more restrained and the metal strut Fighter spunkier than one would expect from a dance-floor strumpet who loves to flaunt her lung power." Sal Cinquemani from Slant Magazine simpled wrote that the song is "rock-R&B hybrid." While reviewing her compilation "Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade of Hits", Nick Levine from Digital Spy called it a "strutting arena rock", while Nick Butler from Sputnikmusic named it "great." Paul Matthews from "UK Mix" wrote a positive review, commenting: "Her vocals are probably finer than they've ever been before on 'Fighter', helping her to further differentiate herself from her rivals." Another review from "UK Mix" complimented the song, writing that the song is "an anthem, and will no doubt go down as one of her classic singles. Christina's voice sounds as brilliant as ever."
The website "Traveling to the Heart" wrote a positive review, stating: "Again, she uses the natural strength in her voice to convey the emotions needed i.e. vulnerability, naivete, and confidence to name a few. Rock-pop, however, is a genre she needs to grow into. Fighter is a great start and in time she will mature in this genre as she has R&B. Jacqueline Hodges from BBC Music called the song "hilarious", while Jancee Dunn from Rolling Stone wrote that the song "is a sterile foray into rock." "Fighter" became the official anthem for the 2003 NBA Playoffs and was heard during the NBA Finals commercials. An official video was even shot for the NBA Finals featuring Aguilera doing choreography with her dancers on a basketball court.
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