Most contemporary critics responded positively towards "Tell Me", and particular praise was directed at Aguilera's vocal delivery, while the song itself was complimented for its "catchy hook".

[8] Reviewing the album for Entertainment Weekly, Will Hermes praised two songs — "Tell Me" and "Making It Hard" — noting that featured artists Christina Aguilera and Mary J. Blige "are on fire".

[10] Los Angeles Times editors Natalie Nichols and Serena Kim wrote that Diddy gives Aguilera a "task on the club-thumping.

"[11] Mike Joseph of PopMatters wrote that: "Pop princess Christina Aguilera serves as little more than hook girl on her guest spot.

"[12] Ben Hogwood from musicOMH opined that "the edgy song, 'Tell Me', takes Christina Aguilera back to sultry vocalizing".

[13] Sal Cinquemani, writing for Slant Magazine, believed that Aguilera's vocals on the song are "uncharacteristically restrained" [for her standards].

[14] IndieLondon editor Jack Foley noted that the song "positively drips with vibrancy", and praised it for Aguilera's "gutsy vocals" and its "slick body-rocking beats".

The song debuted on the Top 75 singles chart in the UK at number 20, based on download sales alone, during the week ending December 10.

After his attractive female assistant asks Diddy if he wants her to "press play", the speakers and TV turn on and the track begins.

[2] In the episode of MTV's Making the Video Aguilera herself noted that it's a "pretty straightforward, simple kind of concept but it will come off looking very modernized and high-fashion".