Commander (song)

In 2009, before Rowland and Guetta collaborated for "When Love Takes Over", the media reported that Columbia Records and Rowland were to part ways by mutual agreement.{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a233039/kelly-rowland-old-label-dumped-me.html |title=Kelly Rowland "Old Label Dumped Me" |publisher=Hachette Filipacchi UK |work=Digital Spy |last=Copsey |first=Robert |date=June 25, 2010 |access-date=June 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629092954/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a233039/kelly-rowland-old-label-dumped-me.html |archive-date=June 29, 2010 |url-status=live }} However in a 2010 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Rowland stated the decision to leave was not hers: the label ended their contract because singles from the previous record Ms. Kelly did not sell sufficiently well. After the release of "When Love Takes Over" she would go on to fire Mathew Knowles as her manager.{{cite magazine |year=2010 |title=Kelly Rowland "My Old Label Dumped Me & Why I Had to Fire Matthew" |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Time Inc. |issue=1109 |pages=43–45}} It has since been suggested Rowland had fallen out with former fellow Destiny's Child singer Beyoncé Knowles. The media reported that Knowles' decision to release one more video ("Why Don't You Love Me") from her album I Am... Sasha Fierce just before Rowland released "Commander" was unfair on Rowland.{{cite web |url=http://www.tmf.nl/artiesten/nieuws/101778/kelly_rowland_vs_beyonc.html |title=Kelly Rowland vs Beyonce |language=nl |publisher=TMF |date=May 10, 2010 |access-date=May 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513192704/http://www.tmf.nl/artiesten/nieuws/101778/kelly_rowland_vs_beyonc.html |archive-date=May 13, 2010 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.prosieben.de/stars-lifestyle/news/kelly-rowland-hat-keinen-zoff-mit-beyonce-knowles-1.1681535/ |title=Kelly Rowland has no qualms with Beyoncé |language=de |publisher=Prosieben.com |last=F. |first=I. |date=May 10, 2010 |access-date=May 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513174917/http://www.prosieben.de/stars-lifestyle/news/kelly-rowland-hat-keinen-zoff-mit-beyonce-knowles-1.1681535/ |archive-date=May 13, 2010 |url-status=live }} These claims would be denied by the singer who said that despite the clip for "Why Don't You Love Me" airing several days before "Commander", the media was "making too much of a big deal of release schedules and trying to create a feud where it doesn't exist."{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a218870/kelly-rowland-denies-beyonce-rivalry.html |title=Kelly Rowland denies Beyoncé rivalry |publisher=Hachette Filipacchi UK |work=Digital Spy |last=Minaya |first=Marcell |date=May 8, 2010 |access-date=May 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100510172253/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a218870/kelly-rowland-denies-beyonce-rivalry.html |archive-date=May 10, 2010 |url-status=live }} She also said, "we all came out at the same time and it really doesn't matter ... I think there's room for everybody ... There's Bey[oncé], there's Ciara putting something out and [Lady] GaGa putting something out, but, because we started out together, people are going to say things like that. But I really don't care, I love her 'til our dying days and that's all that counts."

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{{Listen |filename=Kelly Rowland - Commander (feat. David Guetta).ogg |title=Kelly Rowland featuring David Guetta "Commander" (2010) |description=Sample with the lyric "baby there's no other, who do it like I do it" and where Rowland bursts into the chorus |pos=right |format=Ogg}}

"Commander" is a dance-oriented electro-house-R&B song, set in common time and at a tempo of 125 beats per minute.{{cite web |url=http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/music/popular-playlists/100-best-workout-songs/?page=3 |title=100 Best Workout Songs |work=Fitness Magazine |access-date=January 8, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110115063911/http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/workout/music/popular-playlists/100-best-workout-songs/?page=3 |archive-date=January 15, 2011 |url-status=dead}} It was written by Kelly Rowland, Rico Love, David Guetta and Sandy Vee{{cite web |url=http://www.ascap.com/ace/search.cfm?requesttimeout=300&mode=results&searchstr=881348082&search_in=i&search_type=exact&search_det=t,s,w,p,b,v&results_pp=25&start=1 |title=ASCAP Title Search "Commander" by Kelly Rowland & David Guetta (Work ID: 881521832) |publisher=American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers |access-date=August 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913193017/http://ascap.com/ace/search.cfm?requesttimeout=300&mode=results&searchstr=881348082&search_in=i&search_type=exact&search_det=t,s,w,p,b,v&results_pp=25&start=1 |archive-date=September 13, 2011 |url-status=live }} with deliberate grammar errors such as "there's no other who do it like I do it" and "you won't find no lady who does it like I does it". The lyrics have themes around hair, fashion and competing with other women. Guetta also produced the synthesized dance beats,{{cite web |url=http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/04/30/kelly-rowland-commander/ |title=Kelly Rowland, 'Commander' – New Song |publisher=AOL |work=AOL Radio Blog |last=Anderson |first=Sara D. |date=April 30, 2010 |access-date=July 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100907014101/http://www.aolradioblog.com/2010/04/30/kelly-rowland-commander/ |archive-date=September 7, 2010 |url-status=usurped }} which is similar to his other production, "Sexy Bitch". The end portions of the song were compared to some of the works by hip-hop producer Timbaland.{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a228847/kelly-rowland-ft-david-guetta-commander.html |title=review: Kelly Rowland ft. David Guetta: 'Commander' |publisher=Hachette Filipacchi UK |work=Digital Spy |last=Levin |first=Nick |date=June 18, 2010 |access-date=June 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619073859/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/singlesreviews/a228847/kelly-rowland-ft-david-guetta-commander.html |archive-date=June 19, 2010 |url-status=live }} Rowland explained that the hook of the song, "Commander", should be associated with dance instead of the military. "When I command you to dance ... I want you moving, you know? It felt good to have a song that I could express that in."{{cite news |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/05/26/when-kelly-rowland-commands-you-to-dance-you-better-listen/ |title=When Kelly Rowland Commands You to Dance, You Better Listen |publisher=Dow Jones & Company |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=May 26, 2010 |access-date=May 30, 2010 |first=Elva |last=Ramirez |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100530074246/http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/05/26/when-kelly-rowland-commands-you-to-dance-you-better-listen/ |archive-date=May 30, 2010 |url-status=live }}

Rowland was quoted on the theme of the song, saying "I hope to see women singing the song like they're in charge. It's important to know that we are commanders who have the power to shape our own destiny."{{cite web |last1=Copsey |first1=Robert |title=Rowland: 'New song is about girl power' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a223047/rowland-new-song-is-about-girl-power/ |website=Digital Spy |access-date=April 22, 2021 |date=June 2, 2010 |archive-date=April 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422100036/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a223047/rowland-new-song-is-about-girl-power/ |url-status=live }} Love explained to Rap-Up magazine his view of the song, "It's just such an aggressive record, it's a club record, it's a worldwide international record. She's stretching her legs out and she's showing her true vocal ability, she's like the queen of the night on this record."{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/04/27/new-music-kelly-rowland-commander/ |title=New Music: Kelly Rowland – 'Commander' |work=Rap-Up |date=April 27, 2010 |access-date=May 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100501135038/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/04/27/new-music-kelly-rowland-commander/ |archive-date=May 1, 2010 |url-status=live }} Then during the video shoot of the song Rowland said "I feel like I've finally come into my own," a reference to the exploration of a new musical sound. "With the sound of dance music getting embraced more, I'm very excited, seeing how fans have been responding to the music. Dance music is more of a European thing, but I've been looking on Twitter and seeing fans (in different parts of the country) talking about playing 'Commander'."{{cite news |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/05/kelly-rowland-offers-behind-the-scenes-glimpse-of-commander-video.html |title=Kelly Rowland offers behind the scenes glimpse of commander |publisher=The Tribune Company |work=LA Times Blog |last=Kennedy |first=Gerrick D. |date=May 10, 2010 |access-date=May 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513064525/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/05/kelly-rowland-offers-behind-the-scenes-glimpse-of-commander-video.html |archive-date=May 13, 2010 |url-status=live }} She said working with Guetta was "amazing" because it is "effortless" and she feels a great sense of "chemistry" when working with him. Rowland felt she was trying something different: "In this generation and this day and time, no one is putting soul in dance music ... no pop artist. I thought maybe that was something I could try. And then it works." In an interview for MSN Xin Rowland admitted the song was "darker" than her previous material but still fun. "I just thought it'd be so much fun to be a commander of course. It's just a statement for me definitely, coming out on my own, filling my space. I'm happy being a commander".

"Commander" was selected as the album's first single. Rowland said there were initially two songs in the running for the lead single, but "without a doubt we had to go with ['Commander'], I just fell in love with it ... It's definitely a club banger. You know the first time I heard it, I went bananas."{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/music/urban/223319-kelly-rowland-the-interview |title=Kelly Rowland: The Interview |publisher=MTV Networks |work=MTV UK |last=Patterson |first=Joseph |date=May 25, 2010 |access-date=June 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100909170315/http://www.mtv.co.uk/music/urban/223319-kelly-rowland-the-interview |archive-date=September 9, 2010 |url-status=dead }} At Pat Field's Disco Party in New York, she told Universal Music Group executives "I know in my gut that it felt good. Nobody could take my thoughts away from that. I doesn't need anyone else to tell me it's good". The song was released on May 17 and 18, 2010 to the iTunes Stores, in France and the United States, respectively. The official extended dance remix was released alongside the main single on May 18, 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/05/06/single-cover-kelly-rowland-commander/ |title=Single Cover: Kelly Rowland – 'Commander' |work=Rap-Up |date=May 6, 2010 |access-date=May 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100507214442/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/05/06/single-cover-kelly-rowland-commander/ |archive-date=May 7, 2010 |url-status=live }} In the United Kingdom, "Commander" was planned for a June 28, 2010 release.{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a220565/rowland-confirms-single-release-details.html |title=Rowland confirms single release details |publisher=Hachette Filipacchi UK |work=Digital Spy |last=Levin |first=Nick |date=May 18, 2010 |access-date=May 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100520172728/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a220565/rowland-confirms-single-release-details.html |archive-date=May 20, 2010 |url-status=live }} Love and Rowland would later unveil plans for an urban mix of the song{{cite news |url=http://www.kellyrowland.com/2010/05/11/kellys-ustream-videos/ |title=Kelly's uStream Videos |publisher=Kellyrowland.com |last=Universal Motown Republic Group |date=May 11, 2010 |access-date=May 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713142555/http://www.kellyrowland.com/2010/05/11/kellys-ustream-videos/ |archive-date=July 13, 2011}} with a slower, smoother sound.{{cite news |url=http://www.rttnews.com/Content/EntertainmentNews.aspx?Section=2&Id=1320534&SM=1 |title=Kelly Rowland Releases "Commander" Remix Feat. Nelly |publisher=RTT News |date=May 31, 2010 |access-date=May 31, 2010 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232442/https://www.rttnews.com/list/entertainment-news.aspx?Section=2&Id=1320534&SM=1 |url-status=live }} American rapper Nelly heard the new version in its early stages and asked if he could be featured on the remix.{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a222097/rowland-discusses-commander-remix.html |title=Rowland discusses 'Commander' Remix |publisher=Hachette Filipacchi UK |work=Digital Spy |last=Copsey |first=Robert |date=May 27, 2010 |access-date=May 28, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610164223/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a222097/rowland-discusses-commander-remix.html |archive-date=June 10, 2011 |url-status=live }} It was released as part of the UK Remixes EP. as well as the second U.S. remixes EP. The official press from Universal Motown Records on May 19, 2010 confirmed that "Commander" would serve only as the "international lead single", leading to speculation another song would be released domestically.{{cite web |url=http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/kelly-rowland-signs-to-universal-motown-records,1307224.shtml |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910095320/http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/kelly-rowland-signs-to-universal-motown-records,1307224.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 10, 2012 |title=Kelly Rowland signs to Universal Motown Records |publisher=The Earth Times |author=Universal Motown Records |date=May 19, 2010 |access-date=May 20, 2010}} This speculation was confirmed when the Ne-Yo-penned, "Shake Them Haters Off"{{cite news |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/popwrap/rowland_rowland_rowland_gives_me_7V5JG5q81xdpNeSbBYFjWK |title=Rowland! Rowland! Rowland gives me shivers |publisher=NY Holdings, Inc |work=New York Post |last=Brockington |first=Ryan |date=May 27, 2010 |access-date=June 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529192017/http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/popwrap/rowland_rowland_rowland_gives_me_7V5JG5q81xdpNeSbBYFjWK |archive-date=May 29, 2010 |url-status=dead}} was set to impact on radio stations in the United States. However those plans were changed and on June 29, 2010 two singles were serviced to impact in the United States.{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a225421/kelly-rowland-alters-single-release-plans.html |title=Kelly Rowland Alters Single Release Plans |publisher=Hachette Filipacchi UK |work=Digital Spy |last=Copsey |first=Robert |date=June 11, 2010 |access-date=June 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100619080736/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/news/a225421/kelly-rowland-alters-single-release-plans.html |archive-date=June 19, 2010 |url-status=live }} "Grown Woman" was sent to urban contemporary/rhythmic contemporary radio stations{{cite web |url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases |title=Top 40 Rhythmic Future Release |publisher=All Access Music Group |work=All Access |date=June 8, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209012356/http://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/future-releases |archive-date=February 9, 2010}} and "Rose Colored Glasses" for pop radio.{{cite web |url=http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |title=Top 40/Mainstream Future Release |publisher=All Access Music Group |work=All Access |date=June 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100219223026/http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/future-releases |archive-date=February 19, 2010}}

"Commander" received critical acclaim, with particular praise for the collaboration between Rowland and Guetta. Robert Copsey of Digital Spy said "It looks as though they're going to be ruling the airwaves all over again ... After she lulls us into a false sense of security ("I feel like the DJ is bodyguard / You see the way he keeps me safe? / With the treble and the bass?"), the track plunges into a pounding electro-house chorus that quite literally orders us to the dance floor ... The result isn't quite as fresh and inventive as some of Guetta's recent output – Kelis' 'Acapella', for example – but it goes a long way towards recapturing some of last summer's magic."{{cite web |url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a217143/another-summer-smash-from-kelly-rowland.html |title=Another summer smash from Kelly Rowland |publisher=Hachette Filipacchi UK |work=Digital Spy |last=Copsey |first=Robert |date=April 29, 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100503015818/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/music/thesound/a217143/another-summer-smash-from-kelly-rowland.html |archive-date=May 3, 2010 |url-status=live }} The site's other reviewer, Nick Levine, agreed saying that the song "thumps as persuasively as Muhammad Ali circa 1967." Robert Daw of Idolator said "if you think Ms. Kelly is taking the go-go boots off anytime soon, then you'd best go lean against the wall, flower. Rowland's Guetta-produced new single 'Commander' is pure strobe-light adrenaline rush ... [it] will appear on Kelly's as-yet-untitled third solo album ... we're predicting a full on Rowland Renaissance!".{{cite web |url=http://idolator.com/5489441/kelly-rowland-is-your-dance-commander-on-her-new-single |title=Kelly Rowland is your dance commander on her new single |publisher=Idolator |last=Daw |first=Robert |date=April 28, 2010 |access-date=May 10, 2010 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232424/https://www.idolator.com/5489441/kelly-rowland-is-your-dance-commander-on-her-new-single |url-status=live }} With Alex Catarinella of Paper saying "she belts out soaring vocals, is further proof that she's no longer the cute teenage girl sharing a chorus."{{cite web |url=http://www.papermag.com/arts_and_style/2010/07/kelly-rowland.php |title=Kelly Rowland Takes Control: The former Destiny's Child member on her upcoming album, nude beaches and being a nerd. |publisher=The Paper Publishing Company |work=Paper |last=Catarinella |first=Alex |date=July 2010 |access-date=July 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710131358/http://www.papermag.com/arts_and_style/2010/07/kelly-rowland.php |archive-date=July 10, 2010}}

Rebecca Nicholson of The Guardian said that before Guetta's collaborations with Kelis ("Acapella") and Rowland, she felt "[David Guetta] was ruining R&B by turning all of my favorite ladies into Euro cheesemongers". However "Acapella" changed Nicholson's mind and she said, "'Commander' is further evidence of this".{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jun/26/mia-xxxo-single-review |title=This week's singles |publisher=The Guardian News and Media Group |work=The Guardian |last=Nicholson |first=Rebecca |date=June 26, 2010 |access-date=June 26, 2010 |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130215454/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/jun/26/mia-xxxo-single-review |archive-date=January 30, 2016 |url-status=live }} Whilst Fraser McAlpine awarded the song four stars, his review was neither positive nor negative. He said "Singers always like to sing about how brilliantly attractive and astonishing (and bossy) they are. Even if the words have a double meaning, which hints that they are merely mouthing the self-regard of a rampant egomaniac, who is laughing and rubbing his hands every time they start to sing, they don't mind. Why would they? The song mentions hair, and being better than the other ladies. That's what singers live for. [I awarded it] one extra star for the stoopid grammar switcheroo ... because of the chorus, which rules."{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chartblog/2010/06/kelly_rowland_ft_david_guetta.shtml |title=Kelly Rowland ft. David Guetta – 'Commander' |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |work=Chart Blog |last=McAlpine |first=Fraser |date=June 23, 2010 |access-date=June 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100627235219/http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/chartblog/2010/06/kelly_rowland_ft_david_guetta.shtml |archive-date=June 27, 2010 |url-status=live }} Gavin Martin of The Mirror made similar comments neither praising nor criticizing the song, instead saying it will put her "firmly in control of the dance floor".{{cite news |url=http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/the-ticket/2010/06/kelly-rowland-is-dancing-the-n.html |title=Kelly Rowland is dancing the night away |publisher=Trinity Mirror plc |work=The Mirror |last=Martin |first=Gavin |date=June 25, 2010 |access-date=June 30, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628001622/http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/the-ticket/2010/06/kelly-rowland-is-dancing-the-n.html |archive-date=June 28, 2010}}

"Commander" made its United States chart debut on May 18, 2010 (the day of the release) at number thirty-six on the Hot Dance Club Songs chart;{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/column/chartbeat/chart-highlights-pop-adult-pop-latin-songs-1004091755.story?tag=hpfeed#/column/chartbeat/chart-highlights-pop-adult-pop-latin-songs-1004091755.story?tag=hpfeedm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105095920/http://www.billboard.com/column/chartbeat/chart-highlights-pop-adult-pop-latin-songs-1004091755.story?tag=hpfeed |url-status=dead |archive-date=November 5, 2012 |title=Chart Highlights: Pop, Adult Pop, Latin Songs & More |magazine=Billboard |publisher=Nielsen Business Media, Inc. |author=Chart Beat |date=May 17, 2010 |access-date=May 17, 2010}} it climbed the chart in subsequent weeks and peaked at the top position for one week in July. It also reached the top ten on the US Hot Dance/Electronic Digital Songs chart, in the issue dated June 26, 2010.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/search/chart_search_results.jsp?rpp=100&sw=&cd=&f=&t=commander&per=Kelly+Rowland&df=A&prod=&g=s&l=&dl= |title=Artist Search: Kelly Rowland, Commander |publisher=Nielsen Business Media |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929083006/http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/charts/search/chart_search_results.jsp?rpp=100&sw=&cd=&f=&t=commander&per=Kelly+Rowland&df=A&prod=&g=s&l=&dl= |archive-date=September 29, 2012 |url-status=live }} Jeremy Helligar of 'True/Slant' offered an explanation of why the commercial prospects for "Commander" were limited in the United States, writing, "the dance music Rowland favors is a bit edgier than the danceable pop that Lady Gaga consistently takes to the top of the charts".{{cite web |url=http://trueslant.com/jeremyhelligar/2010/06/29/kelly-rowlands-glass-ceiling-when-will-the-former-destinys-child-finally-have-her-day-in-the-u-s/ |title=Kelly Rowland's glass ceiling: When will the former Destiny's Child finally have her day in the U.S.? |publisher=True/Slant |last=Helligar |first=Jeremy |date=June 29, 2010 |access-date=July 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121005111953/http://trueslant.com/jeremyhelligar/2010/06/29/kelly-rowlands-glass-ceiling-when-will-the-former-destinys-child-finally-have-her-day-in-the-u-s/ |archive-date=October 5, 2012 |url-status=dead}}

In the United Kingdom, single and dance mixes were released as standalone downloads on May 17, 2010, whilst the song was added to urban music radio and UK's biggest mainstream station, BBC Radio 1's C-playlist, that same week. Consequently "Commander" debuted on the UK Dance Singles chart at number thirty-four.{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/dance-singles-chart/20100530/104/ |title=UK Dance Singles Week-ending 5 June 2010 |work=Official Charts Company |date=May 29, 2010 |access-date=June 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130215457/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/dance-singles-chart/20100530/104/ |archive-date=January 30, 2016 |url-status=live }} The following week the song debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number one-hundred-and-sixty-seven{{cite web |url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/singles-chart/ |title=UK Singles Week-ending 19 June 2010 |publisher=The Official UK Charts Company |work=theofficialcharts.com |date=June 13, 2010 |access-date=June 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207033124/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/singles-chart/ |archive-date=December 7, 2011 |url-status=live }} supported by the song's ascension to the B-playlists on the UK's urban music radio station BBC 1Xtra{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/playlist/ |title=Radio1 Extra Playlist |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |work=BBC 1Xtra |date=May 28, 2010 |access-date=May 4, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522104422/http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/playlist/ |archive-date=May 22, 2010}} as well as on mainstream radio.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/playlist/ |title=Radio 1 Playlist |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |work=BBC Radio 1 |date=June 2, 2010 |access-date=June 4, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601233906/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/playlist/ |archive-date=June 1, 2010}} Then a week ahead of the remixes EP,{{cite web |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2010/07/04/kelly-s-tactics-are-on-the-ball-115875-22380647/ |title=Kelly's Tactics are on the Ball |publisher=Trinity Mirror plc |work=The Mirror |last=Piper |first=Dean |date=July 4, 2010 |access-date=July 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100708183146/http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2010/07/04/kelly-s-tactics-are-on-the-ball-115875-22380647/ |archive-date=July 8, 2010 |url-status=live }} "Commander" reached its peak at number two on the UK Dance Chart and number nine on the Official Singles Chart as well as reaching the A-playlist on urban radio.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/playlist/ |title=Radio1 Extra Playlist |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |work=BBC 1Xtra |date=July 16, 2010 |access-date=July 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522104422/http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/playlist/ |archive-date=May 22, 2010}} It peaked at number nine on the UK Download Chart{{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-downloads-chart/20100704/7000/ |title=Official UK Download Singles Archive week/e 7 August 2010 |website=Official Charts |date=August 7, 2010 |access-date=August 15, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130215506/http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-downloads-chart/20100704/7000/ |archive-date=January 30, 2016 |url-status=live }} and number nineteen on the UK Subscription Plays chart, the single was one of Rowland's longest runs on the UK Top 40 with sixteen weeks.{{cite web |url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/archive-chart/_/5/2010-08-07/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615120801/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/archive-chart/_/5/2010-08-07/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |title=Official UK Subscription Plays Archive week/e 7 August 2010 |date=August 7, 2010 |access-date=August 15, 2010}}

The single became Rowland's third best selling solo single in the United Kingdom with 285,000 copies being sold as of November 2011.Taken from the videocountdown "Kelly Rowland's Official Top 10", broadcast December 10, 2011 on MTV Music UK (http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/x-factor/kelly-rowland%E2%80%99s-official-top-10-coming-to-mtv {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210200935/http://www.unrealitytv.co.uk/x-factor/kelly-rowland%E2%80%99s-official-top-10-coming-to-mtv/ |date=December 10, 2011 }} & http://www.theofficialcharts.com/our-partners/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207065842/http://www.theofficialcharts.com/our-partners/ |date=February 7, 2012 }})

It made its Irish Singles Chart debut at number twenty-four{{cite web |url=http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2010&year=2010&week=24 |title=Irish Singles Chart, Week-ending 17 June 2010 |publisher=IRMA |work=GfK-Chart Track |date=June 17, 2010 |access-date=June 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313125813/http://www.chart-track.co.uk/index.jsp?c=p%2Fmusicvideo%2Fmusic%2Farchive%2Findex_test.jsp&ct=240001&arch=t&lyr=2010&year=2010&week=24 |archive-date=March 13, 2017 |url-status=dead}} before peaking at number thirteen. It debuted in Australia on the ARIA Singles Chart at number sixty-four{{cite web |url=http://ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm |title=Chartifacts – Week Commencing: 14th June 2010 |publisher=ARIA |work=Chartifacts |date=June 14, 2010 |access-date=June 16, 2010 |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917070536/http://ariacharts.com.au/pages/chartifacts.htm |archive-date=September 17, 2010}} and has since peaked at number sixty-one. It fared better on the Australian Dance Chart, where it peaked at number eleven. In New Zealand, the song debuted at number thirty-nine{{cite web |url=http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp |title=New Zealand Top 40 Singles: Chart#1725 Monday 14 June 2010 |publisher=Media Sauce Ltd. |work=RIANZ |date=June 14, 2010 |access-date=June 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140528090354/http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp |archive-date=May 28, 2014 |url-status=dead}} before falling out of the top forty the following week,{{cite web |url=http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp |title=New Zealand Top 40 Singles: Chart#1726 Monday 21 June 2010 |publisher=Media Sauce Ltd. |work=RIANZ |date=June 21, 2010 |access-date=June 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216021138/http://www.rianz.org.nz/rianz/chart.asp |archive-date=December 16, 2008}} only to return and peak at number sixteen.{{cite web |url=https://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Kelly+Rowland+feat.+David+Guetta&titel=Commander&cat=s |title=charts.nz – Kelly Rowland ft. David Guetta – Commander |publisher=charts.nz (Hung Medien) |work=New Zealand Singles Chart |access-date=July 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170430064525/http://charts.nz/showitem.asp?interpret=Kelly+Rowland+feat%2E+David+Guetta&titel=Commander&cat=s |archive-date=April 30, 2017 |url-status=live }} In Europe, the song reached number two on both Belgian Wallonia and Flanders Ultratip Charts as well as on the Slovakian Airplay Charts.{{cite web |url=http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparadask/index.php?a=titul&hitparada=18&titul=146132&sec=eb3b47daf89f2e7ed83c2ef194fab1f4 |title=Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 History for "Commander" by Kelly Rowland |publisher=IFPI Czech Republic |language=sk |access-date=August 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412013423/http://www.ifpicr.cz/hitparadask/index.php?a=titul&hitparada=18&titul=146132&sec=eb3b47daf89f2e7ed83c2ef194fab1f4 |archive-date=April 12, 2012 |url-status=live }} It reached the top-twenty in Norway in addition to the top-thirty in Denmark and Sweden.

in 2020, a decade after its release, "Commander" was named during an Idolator feature called "Should Have Been Bigger". In writing for the feature, Mike Wass noted that music leaks were prevalent at the time and this led to songs running out of steam, "from the moment it leaked online (this was back in the day when music blogs posted MP3s), the banger was touted as a future smash."{{cite web |url=https://www.idolator.com/7908006/should-have-been-bigger-kelly-rowlands-club-conquering-commander?chrome=1 |title=Should Have Been Bigger: Kelly Rowland's Club-Conquering "Commander" |website=Idolator |last=Wass |first=Mike |date=March 12, 2020 |access-date=April 22, 2020 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232424/https://www.idolator.com/7908006/should-have-been-bigger-kelly-rowlands-club-conquering-commander?chrome=1 |url-status=live }}

File:Kelly Rowland - Commander (Video Snap).jpg

The video was filmed on May 5, 2010 with Japanese music producer and promo director, Masashi Muto.{{cite web |url=http://www.videostatic.com/vs/2010/05/shot-kelly-rowland-f-david-guetta-muto-dir.html |title=Music Video News: SHOT: Kelly Rowland f/ David Guetta – Muto, dir |publisher=Video Static |date=May 2010 |access-date=May 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100511060333/http://www.videostatic.com/vs/2010/05/shot-kelly-rowland-f-david-guetta-muto-dir.html |archive-date=May 11, 2010 |url-status=live }} Muto's previous work includes "I Will Be Here" for Dutch disc jockey Tiësto, as well as promo clips for Pepsi and Honda. His work is known for its scale, impact and colorful imagery.{{cite web |url=http://www.djelroy.com/?p=1624 |title=Japanese director Muto helms Tiesto Vid | DJ Elroy's Digital Dance floor |publisher=Djelroy.com |year=2010 |access-date=May 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710135714/http://www.djelroy.com/?p=1624 |archive-date=July 10, 2011 |url-status=live }} Love and Guetta make cameos in the video{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/05/06/on-set-of-kelly-rowlands-commander-video/ |title=On Set of Kelly Rowland's 'Commander' Video |work=Rap-Up |date=May 6, 2010 |access-date=May 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100509112814/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/05/06/on-set-of-kelly-rowlands-commander-video/ |archive-date=May 9, 2010 |url-status=live }} while Fatima Robinson handled the video's choreography. The Los Angeles Times was one of several media outlets present during the video shoot and were able to release exclusive "behind the scenes" footage on May 10, 2010. On June 1, 2010 an unfinished version of the video was leaked online;{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/06/01/video-kelly-rowland-commander/ |title=Video Kelly Rowland Commander |work=Rap-Up |date=June 1, 2010 |access-date=June 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604004501/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/06/01/video-kelly-rowland-commander/ |archive-date=June 4, 2010 |url-status=live }} this was addressed on Rowland's official Twitter account, where she made clear that leaked video was the wrong edit.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/KELLYROWLAND/status/15253198080 |title=So, now that I've cooled down cause the wrong edit of the video leaked, the right one will go out in a couple hrs.!!!!! HA!! |publisher=Twitter |author=Rowland, Kelendria |date=June 2, 2010 |access-date=June 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306064738/https://twitter.com/KELLYROWLAND/status/15253198080 |archive-date=March 6, 2014 |url-status=live }} UK music channels MTV{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/channels/mtv-hits/playlist |title=MTV Hits Playlist: Brand New-List |publisher=MTV Networks (Viacom) |work=mtv.co.uk |date=June 8, 2010 |access-date=June 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100212161354/http://www.mtv.co.uk/channels/mtv-hits/playlist |archive-date=February 12, 2010 |url-status=dead }} and MTV Base{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/channels/mtv-base/playlist |title=MTV Base Playlist: C-List |publisher=MTV Networks (Viacom) |work=mtv.co.uk |date=June 8, 2010 |access-date=June 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209024946/http://www.mtv.co.uk/channels/mtv-base/playlist |archive-date=February 9, 2010 |url-status=dead }} began to play the early version of the video on June 8, 2010{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/channels/mtv-dance/playlist |title=MTV Dance Playlist: B-List |publisher=MTV Networks (Viacom) |work=mtv.co.uk |date=June 8, 2010 |access-date=June 9, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201223724/http://www.mtv.co.uk/channels/mtv-dance/playlist |archive-date=February 1, 2010 |url-status=dead }} though, it was not until June 21, 2010 when the official final version premiered on Rowland's website.{{cite web |url=http://www.kellyrowland.com/2010/06/21/commander-video-premiere/ |title=Commander Video Premiere |publisher=kellyrowland.com |date=June 21, 2010 |access-date=June 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713142616/http://www.kellyrowland.com/2010/06/21/commander-video-premiere/ |archive-date=July 13, 2011}}

Rowland stated to Rap Up TV that "the concept of the video is very futuristic and great. The red line in the story is that I am above all the lead but in the club atmosphere with cool people. I fight against myself with my haircut, makeup, and dance moves."{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ic_0HL-tzI |title=Rap Up preview of Kelly Rowland's Commander |publisher=YouTube |author=Rap-Up TV |date=May 6, 2010 |access-date=May 6, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100706025334/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ic_0HL-tzI |archive-date=July 6, 2010 |url-status=live }} According to Love, in the clip Rowland is transformed into a fashionista, "Kelly's look in this video is just utterly sexy. It's like a jungle feel. I feel like we're in Avatar somewhere, running through the woods, minus the blue paint."{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/kelly-rowland/news/221074-kelly-rowland-the-fashionista |title=Kelly Rowland the fashionista |publisher=MTV Networks (Viacom) |work=mtv.co.uk |date=May 7, 2010 |access-date=May 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606040137/http://www.mtv.co.uk/artists/kelly-rowland/news/221074-kelly-rowland-the-fashionista |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |url-status=dead }} Later one of her outfits was described as an "Avatar-esque bodysuit".{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/05/06/on-set-of-kelly-rowlands-commander-video/ |title=On Set of Kelly Rowland's Commander Video |work=Rap-Up |date=May 6, 2010 |access-date=July 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100511013324/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/05/06/on-set-of-kelly-rowlands-commander-video/ |archive-date=May 11, 2010 |url-status=live }} Rowland said "I had to pull out my dancing shoes for this video!" The video features "Kelly Rowland facing off against herself. The two Kellys start what appears to be a voguing competition on the dancefloor, then are flanked by respective dance teams."{{cite web |url=http://www.sound-savvy.com/2010/06/video-kelly-rowland-commander/ |title=(UPDATED) VIDEO: Kelly Rowland – Commander |publisher=Sound Savvy |author=Mack |date=June 21, 2010 |access-date=July 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100604044051/http://www.sound-savvy.com/2010/06/video-kelly-rowland-commander/ |archive-date=June 4, 2010 |url-status=dead}} Guetta makes an appearance at the end of the clip he "undergoes a 'Transformers'-like metamorphosis, turning into a mixer."{{cite web |url=http://www.spinnermusic.co.uk/2010/07/02/david-guetta-DJ-Hero-2/ |title=David Guetta DJ Hero 2 |publisher=AOL |work=spinnermusic.co.uk |last=Baltin |first=Steve |date=July 2, 2010 |access-date=July 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009035959/http://www.spinnermusic.co.uk/2010/07/02/david-guetta-DJ-Hero-2 |archive-date=October 9, 2010 |url-status=live }} Paper magazine described Rowland's look in the video as "superhero-esque". Joanna Goh from MSN China said that in the clip "[Rowland] sports a new femme fatale image a la the bodysuits and masculine imaging".{{cite web |url=http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4321967 |title=Kelly Rowland refutes rumours of a Destiny's Child reunion |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100913041235/http://entertainment.xin.msn.com/en/celebrity/buzz/asia/article.aspx?cp-documentid=4321967 |archive-date=September 13, 2010 |publisher=MSN Xin |last=Goh |first=Joanna |date=September 8, 2010 |access-date=September 10, 2010 |url-status=dead}}

{{As of|2010|7|6|df=US}} and according to a press release from Universal Motown, the video has received critical acclaim with over two million Vevo views.{{cite web |url=http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/press/ldquocommanderrdquo-featuring-david-guetta,1372294.html |title=Kelly Rowland Scores No. 1 Hit on Billboard's Dance/Club Play Songs Chart with "Commander," Featuring David Guetta |publisher=The Earth Times |author=Universal Motown Records Group |date=July 6, 2010 |access-date=July 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916143227/http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/press/ldquocommanderrdquo-featuring-david-guetta,1372294.html |archive-date=September 16, 2012}} When Robbie Daw of Idolator saw the unfinished version of the video compared it to the earlier works of Janet Jackson saying it had "old-school Janet vibe".{{cite web |url=http://idolator.com/5522061/kelly-rowland-commander-video |title=Kelly Rowland Has A Dance-Off Against Herself In Her "Commander" Video |publisher=Idolator |last=Daw |first=Robbie |date=June 1, 2010 |access-date=July 3, 2010 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232430/https://www.idolator.com/5522061/kelly-rowland-commander-video |url-status=live }} Later after seeing the fully finished version he said it was "a colorful, militant dance-off".{{cite web |url=http://idolator.com/5543541/kelly-rowlands-commander-video-officially-premieres |title=Kelly Rowland's "Commander" Video Officially Premieres (About Time!) |publisher=Idolator |last=Daw |first=Robbie |date=June 21, 2010 |access-date=June 26, 2010 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232424/https://www.idolator.com/5543541/kelly-rowlands-commander-video-officially-premieres |url-status=live }} The theme, wardrobe, and choreography also drew comparisons to Jackson's "Feedback" video, with HitFix commenting "Rowland even has Janet's singular and straight pony tail."{{cite web |url=http://www.hitfix.com/articles/kelly-rowland-orders-you-to-watch-her-new-commander-video |title=Kelly Rowland orders you to watch her new 'Commander' video |work=HitFix |publisher=Ellwood, Gregory |date=May 7, 2010 |access-date=July 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407070540/http://www.hitfix.com/articles/kelly-rowland-orders-you-to-watch-her-new-commander-video |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |url-status=live }} E! Online's Natalie Finn also had praise for the video. She said it "takes the themes of the song: taking charge, owning the floor and staying sexy and feminine throughout..." and "dresses 'em in tight little outfits and turns 'em loose to break hearts and dominate the opposite sex at will."{{cite web |url=http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/b182715_first_look_kelly_rowland_goes_commander.html#ixzz0ryGoJAjv |title=First Look: Kelly Rowland Goes "Commander"! |publisher=E! Entertainment Television |work=E! Online UK |last=Finn |first=Natalie |date=May 25, 2010 |access-date=June 26, 2010 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232438/https://www.eonline.com/news/182715/first_look_kelly_rowland_goes_commander#ixzz0ryGoJAjv |url-status=live }} "The music video is great and it might be a must-spin" according to Martin from Above&Beyond magazine, who praised Rowland's beauty by saying, "I didn't know Kelly was that well-equipped from the back but I always found Kelly more attractive than Beyoncé ... I'm just saying".{{cite web |url=http://www.aboveandbeyondmag.com/2010/07/14/videomp3-kelly-rowland-commander-feat-david-guetta/ |title=Video/Mp3: Kelly Rowland – Commander feat. David Guetta |work=Above&Beyond |author=Martin |date=July 14, 2010 |access-date=July 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100718195000/http://www.aboveandbeyondmag.com/2010/07/14/videomp3-kelly-rowland-commander-feat-david-guetta/ |archive-date=July 18, 2010 |url-status=dead}}

The video was criticized for the absence of story line by critics such as Laura Brooks of 'TeenToday', who described the video as "[an opportunity] to show off her lovely hair and her thighs" that "also features David Guetta who appears to have remembered at several points throughout the video that he's left his iron on dashes off to remedy the situation."{{cite web |url=http://www.teentoday.co.uk/article/kelly-rowland-commander-video-released-000/ |title=Kelly Rowland's Commander video is here! |publisher=teentoday.co.uk |last=Brooks |first=Laura |date=June 21, 2010 |access-date=June 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101021052908/http://www.teentoday.co.uk/article/kelly-rowland-commander-video-released-000 |archive-date=October 21, 2010}} Alyssa Rosenberg of The Atlantic agreed, calling the clip "dopey ... with guys who forgot to wash the home dye out of their hair" (sic) and the dancing was on-par with sci-fi film The Matrix Reloaded. However she did say that "It's a high-concept understanding of the dance floor, even if it's not my preferred interpretation of that space. If love and shaking it are war, Kelly seems like she'd be a pretty decent person to have boss you around in both."{{cite web |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/personal/archive/2010/06/rooting-for-kelly-rowland/58812/ |title=Rooting for Kelly Rowland |publisher=The Atlantic Monthly Group |work=The Atlantic |last=Rosenberg |first=Alyssa |date=June 29, 2010 |access-date=July 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100703010949/http://www.theatlantic.com/personal/archive/2010/06/rooting-for-kelly-rowland/58812 |archive-date=July 3, 2010 |url-status=live }} Meanwhile Sound Savvy said "There's some nice moves and Kelly sports some sexy looks for the clip. 'Commander' has received CRAZY airplay and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive for this track. I kinda dig the video, but I would've liked more choreography."

Rowland debuted "Commander" live at Cathy Guetta's Fuck Me I'm Famous party in Miami, as part of Winter Music Conference on March 27, 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.kellyrowland.com/2010/04/30/kelly-debuts-commander-at-the-winter-music-conference/ |title=Kelly debuts Commander at the winter music conference |publisher=kellyrowland.com |date=April 30, 2010 |access-date=April 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713142438/http://www.kellyrowland.com/2010/04/30/kelly-debuts-commander-at-the-winter-music-conference/ |archive-date=July 13, 2011}} Immediately after the performance she said, "I was nervous and anxious, but when I hit the stage I felt the inner 'Commander' come to life!"{{cite web |url=http://www.rap-up.com/2010/03/29/kelly-rowland-commands-the-stage/ |title=Kelly Rowland Commands the Stage |work=Rap-Up |date=March 29, 2010 |access-date=May 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401060623/http://www.rap-up.com/2010/03/29/kelly-rowland-commands-the-stage/ |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=live }} Then on May 4, whilst playing a DJ set at a club in Frankfurt (Germany), Guetta premiered his extended remix. Rowland performed "Commander" at KIIS FM's Wango Tango 2010 Staples Centre (Los Angeles) on May 15, 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.kiisfm.com/pages/events/wangotango10/ |title=KIIS FM's Wango Tango 2010 – Staples Centre Saturday May 15, 2010 |publisher=KIIS FM |work=Wango Tango 2010 |date=May 15, 2010 |access-date=May 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101112094548/http://www.kiisfm.com/pages/events/wangotango10/ |archive-date=November 12, 2010 |url-status=dead}} International promotion for the song began a week later with live UK debut of "Commander" at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend.{{cite web |url=http://www.kellyrowland.com/2010/06/28/sbtv-interview/ |title=Kelly Rowland Interview, SBTV.Co.uk |publisher=kellyrowland.com |date=June 28, 2010 |access-date=June 29, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713142628/http://www.kellyrowland.com/2010/06/28/sbtv-interview/ |archive-date=July 13, 2011}} located in the video from 06:25 This was followed up on June 15 with a live performance and interview on The Graham Norton Show{{cite web |url=http://www.tvguide.co.uk/episodeguide.asp?title=The%20Graham%20Norton%20Show& |title=The Graham Norton Show Episode Guide – Season 7, Episode 10 |publisher=Tvguide.co.uk Ltd |work=TV Listings |year=2010 |access-date=June 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719144530/http://www.tvguide.co.uk/episodeguide.asp?title=The%20Graham%20Norton%20Show& |archive-date=July 19, 2011 |url-status=dead}} and a medley performance on June 25 in Singapore.{{cite news |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gIJY5XoTxbZeAwKnmSRlqCKYze-g |title=Rowland show goes on despite rain |work=Press Association |author=UKPA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628055021/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gIJY5XoTxbZeAwKnmSRlqCKYze-g |archive-date=June 28, 2010 |date=June 25, 2010 |access-date=June 26, 2010 |url-status=dead}} Rowland has subsequently appeared three more times in the UK on GMTV,{{cite web |url=http://amp.radio.com/2010/06/30/kelly-rowland-commands-the-stage-on-gmtv/ |title=Kelly Rowland Commands the Stage on GMTV |publisher=CBS Radio (CBS Interactive Music Group) |work=97.1 AMP Radio |last=Bickell |first=Britt |date=June 30, 2010 |access-date=July 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715144517/http://amp.radio.com/2010/06/30/kelly-rowland-commands-the-stage-on-gmtv/ |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |url-status=dead}} an acoustic performance on BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge;{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/sessions/2010-07-01_kellyrowland |title=Kelly Rowland returns to the Live Lounge |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |work=BBC Radio 1 |author=Radio 1 Live Lounge |date=July 1, 2010 |access-date=July 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702003425/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/sessions/2010-07-01_kellyrowland |archive-date=July 2, 2010 |url-status=live }} as well as The 5 O'Clock Show.{{cite web |url=http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-5-oclock-show/episode-guide/series-1/episode-24 |title=The 5 O'Clock Show Series 1 Episode 24 |publisher=Channel 4 |work=4oD |date=July 1, 2010 |access-date=July 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910180019/http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-5-oclock-show/episode-guide/series-1/episode-24 |archive-date=September 10, 2011 |url-status=live }} "Commander" was performed in acoustic for a second time on Radio 2's Saturday Sessions with Dermot O'Leary.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/guests/wk27.shtml |title=Week 27, Guests Across BBC Programmes |publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation |work=BBC Press Office |date=June 28, 2010 |access-date=July 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701063039/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/guests/wk27.shtml |archive-date=July 1, 2010 |url-status=live }} In August 2010 the Canadian dance show, So You Think You Can Dance Canada used the song for their season three promotion TV clips.{{cite web |url=http://watch.ctv.ca/so-you-think-you-can-dance-canada/season-3/so-you-think-you-can-dance-canada--season-3-promo/#clip330403 |title=So You Think You Can Dance Canada : Season 3 Promo : Season 3 Promo |publisher=CTV (CTV Globalmedia) |work=So You Think You Can Dance Canada |date=August 2010 |access-date=August 6, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803005253/http://watch.ctv.ca/so-you-think-you-can-dance-canada/season-3/so-you-think-you-can-dance-canada--season-3-promo/ |archive-date=August 3, 2010}} The music was also used in the presentation of delegates and opening number of the live telecast of Miss Universe 2010 in Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.{{cite web |url=http://wn.com/Miss_Universe_2010_Opening_Song_Kelly_Rowland__Commander_ft_David_Guetta |title=Miss Universe 2010 Opening Song Kelly Rowland Commander Ft David Guetta |publisher=World News Network |work=Miss Universe 2010 |date=August 2010 |access-date=September 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100907084622/http://wn.com/Miss_Universe_2010_Opening_Song_Kelly_Rowland__Commander_ft_David_Guetta |archive-date=September 7, 2010 |url-status=live }}

Entertainment Weekly named it "the number one summer jam of the year (2010)"{{cite web |url=http://www.hollywoodnews.com/2010/07/07/kelly-rowlands-commander-hits-1-on-billboards-dance-chart/ |title=Kelly Rowland's "Commander" hits #1 on Billboard's Dance Chart |publisher=Hollywoodnews.com |date=July 7, 2010 |access-date=July 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100711072814/http://www.hollywoodnews.com/2010/07/07/kelly-rowlands-commander-hits-1-on-billboards-dance-chart/ |archive-date=July 11, 2010 |url-status=live }} whilst music station KISS 100 called it fabulous and made it their song of the week for the week beginning May 24, 2010. A reviewer from the network said, "Commander is another smash [where] ... Kelly's taking command! With glamour set to max and drama cranked up to full power 'Commander' is proof that Kelly means business!"{{cite web |url=http://www.totalkiss.com/2010/05/kelly-rowland-commander/ |title=Song of the Week: Kelly Rowland – Commander |publisher=KISS Network |work=KISS 100 |date=May 24, 2010 |access-date=August 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100821153549/http://www.totalkiss.com/2010/05/kelly-rowland-commander/ |archive-date=August 21, 2010 |url-status=live }} In Fitness magazine's 100 best workout songs, "Commander" was named one of the ten best dance workout songs for its bouncy 125 beats per minute composition.

In a 2020 feature titled "Should Have Been Bigger" on the website Idolator, Mike Wass reflected on the song a decade calling it a "banger" and stating that it had obvious appeal with "[Rowland] preaching female empowerment over gargantuan club beats". Reviewing the song ten years later, Wass remarked that with "powerful lyrics to the soaring vocal and slick production, all elements came together perfectly." Wass noted that the song leaked ahead of its release at a time when songs "ran out of steam before their official release" and that "Commander" was "too clubby" for radio. He also noted that "the video was widely mocked". Although Rowland would go on to release another club song in the form of the Eurodance international single "Down for Whatever",{{cite web |last=Kellman |first=Andy |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/here-i-am-mw0002173044 |title=Here I Am – Kelly Rowland: Review |publisher=Allmusic. (Rovi Corporation) |date=July 25, 2011 |access-date=April 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721181015/http://www.allmusic.com/album/here-i-am-mw0002173044 |archive-date=July 21, 2012 |url-status=live }} Wass commented that Rowland had ignored dance music since the release of "Commander".

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Digital Download Main Version{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LALWW6 |title=Kelly Rowland Commander Digital Download |author=Amazon Mp3 |website=Amazon |year=2010 |access-date=May 10, 2010}}

1. "Commander" featuring David Guetta – 3:39

US Digital Mix – Universal Motown Store{{cite web |url=http://store.umrg.com/kellyrowland/ |title=Commander Digital Mix – Get 2 Singles For The Price Of One |publisher=Universal Motown |work=UMRG Store |year=2010 |access-date=June 12, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100518071856/http://store.umrg.com/kellyrowland/ |archive-date=May 18, 2010 |url-status=dead}}

1. "Commander" featuring David Guetta – 3:39
2. "Commander" featuring David Guetta (Extended Dance Mix) – 5:55

Digital Extended play (EP){{cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/commander-feat-david-guetta/id375158557 |title=iTunes AU – Kelly Rowland feat. David Guetta – Commander (EP) |work=iTunes Store |publisher=Apple Inc. |date=June 4, 2010 |access-date=July 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201173158/http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/commander-feat-david-guetta/id375158557 |archive-date=December 1, 2010 |url-status=dead }}

1. "Commander" featuring David Guetta – 3:38
2. "Commander" (David Guetta Remix) – 5:47
3. "Commander" (Extended Dance Mix) – 5:55
4. "Commander" (Extended Instrumental) – 5:54

Commander EP – UK Remixes{{cite web |url=https://music.apple.com/gb/album/commander-ep/380267820 |title=iTunes UK – Kelly Rowland feat. David Guetta – Commander (EP) |work=iTunes Store |publisher=Apple Inc. |date=July 5, 2010 |access-date=July 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101118084619/http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/commander-ep/id380267820 |archive-date=November 18, 2010 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003VSKMXS |title=Amazon UK – Kelly Rowland feat. David Guetta – Commander (EP) |author=Amazon Mp3 |publisher=amazon.co.uk |date=June 29, 2010 |access-date=July 24, 2010 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232446/https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003VSKMXS |url-status=live }}

1. "Commander" (Rico Love Urban Remix) feat. Nelly – 4:09
2. "Commander" (Pitron & Sanna Remix) – 8:20
3. "Commander" (Redlight Remix) – 3:51

CD Single{{cite web |url=http://www.bravado.de/p6-i0602527476285/Kelly%20Rowland/Commander%20%282-Track%29/index.html |title=Commander (2-Track) |publisher=Bravado |access-date=August 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331173708/http://www.bravado.de/p6-i0602527476285/Kelly%20Rowland/Commander%20(2-Track)/index.html |archive-date=March 31, 2012 |url-status=dead}}

1. "Commander" (Radio Edit) – 3:38
2. "Commander" (David Guetta Remix) – 5:47

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Digital Download Extended Dance Mix{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LADWKQ |title=Kelly Rowland Commander (Extended remix) Digital Download |author=Amazon Mp3 |website=Amazon |year=2010 |access-date=May 10, 2010 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624232437/https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LADWKQ |url-status=live }}

1. "Commander" featuring David Guetta (Extended Dance Mix) – 5:55

Commander US EP – The Remixes Part 1
{{small|(Masterbeat.com only)}}{{cite web |url=https://www.masterbeat.com/#release/umgkrc01 |title=Commander (Remixes) |publisher=Masterbeat |work=masterbeat.com |date=May 21, 2010 |access-date=June 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19971224154554/http://masterbeat.com/#release/umgkrc01 |archive-date=December 24, 1997 |url-status=live }}

1. "Commander" (David Guetta Extended Original Mix) – 5:55
2. "Commander" (David Guetta Extended Instrumental) – 5:54
3. "Commander" (David Guetta Radio Edit) – 3:38
4. "Commander" (Ralphi Rosario Club Mix) – 8:09
5. "Commander" (Ralphi Rosario Bass & Treble Dub) – 8:07
6. "Commander" (Ralphi Rosario Radio Edit) – 4:02

Commander US EP – The Remixes Part 2
{{small|(Masterbeat.com only)}}{{cite web |url=https://www.masterbeat.com/#release/602527439938 |title=Commander feat. David Guetta |publisher=Masterbeat |work=masterbeat.com |date=July 16, 2010 |access-date=July 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19971224154554/http://masterbeat.com/#release/602527439938 |archive-date=December 24, 1997 |url-status=live }}

1. "Commander" (Rico Love Remix) – 4:09
2. "Commander" (Ralphi Rosario Remix) – 8:07
3. "Commander" (Chuckie & Neve Remix) – 5:23
4. "Commander" (Sidney Samson Remix) – 6:26
5. "Commander" (Pitron & Sanna Remix) – 8:20
6. "Commander" (Redlight Remix) – 3:51

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;Recording{{cite AV media notes |title=Here I Am |others=Kelly Rowland |date=2011 |type=liner notes |publisher=Universal Motown, Universal Republic |id=B0014495-02}}

• Recorded and mixed in Gum Prod (recording) and The Bunker (mixing), both in Paris, France.

;Personnel

• Kelly Rowland – songwriter
• Rico Love – songwriter, additional vocals, vocal producer
• David Guetta – songwriter, producer, recording, mixing, keyboards and programming
• Sandy Vee – songwriter, producer, recording, mixing, keyboards and programming
• Seth Foster – mastering
• Thurston McCrea – assistant recording engineer

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{{Certification Table Top}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=South Korea|artist=Kelly Rowland|type=single|nocert=yes|salesamount=18,569|salesref={{cite web |url=http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?serviceGbn=S1020&termGbn=week&hitYear=2011&targetTime=50&nationGbn=E |title=Download Chart (International) – 2011 Week 50 |format=see #39 |work=Gaon Music Chart |publisher=KMCIA |access-date=April 17, 2022 |language=ko |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417131241/http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?serviceGbn=S1020&termGbn=week&hitYear=2011&targetTime=50&nationGbn=E |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?serviceGbn=S1020&termGbn=week&hitYear=2011&targetTime=51&nationGbn=E&year_time= |title=Download Chart (International) – 2011 Week 51 |work=Gaon Music Chart |format=see #52 |publisher=KMCIA |access-date=April 17, 2022 |language=ko |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417131242/http://www.gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?serviceGbn=S1020&termGbn=week&hitYear=2011&targetTime=51&nationGbn=E&year_time= |url-status=live }}}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|digital=true|title=Commander|artist=Kelly Rowland|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2010|certyear=2010|id=2023-08-11|source=newchart|access-date=2024-11-20|refname="singlesNZ"}}

|-

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Kelly Rowland|type=single|award=Gold|salesamount=411,000|salesref={{cite web |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kelly-rowlands-official-top-10-biggest-songs__29487/ |title=Kelly Rowland's Official Top 10 biggest songs |last=Copsey |first=Rob |date=April 17, 2020 |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=April 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419170258/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kelly-rowlands-official-top-10-biggest-songs__29487/ |archive-date=April 19, 2020 |url-status=live }}}}

{{Certification Table Bottom | noshipments=true}}

• List of number-one dance singles of 2010 (U.S.)

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Kelly Rowland}}

{{David Guetta singles}}

{{good article}}

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Category:2009 songs

Category:2010 singles

Category:Kelly Rowland songs

Category:David Guetta songs

Category:Songs written by Rico Love

Category:Songs written by David Guetta

Category:Songs written by Sandy Vee

Category:Songs written by Kelly Rowland

Category:Song recordings produced by Sandy Vee

Category:Songs with feminist themes

Category:Electro house songs

Category:Song recordings produced by David Guetta

Category:Song recordings produced by Rico Love