{{Short description|2003 single by Christina Aguilera}} {{For|the 1946 film|The Voice Within (film)}} {{Good article}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2021}} {{Infobox song | name = The Voice Within | cover = Christina Aguilera - The Voice Within (single).png | alt = | border = yes | type = single | artist = Christina Aguilera | album = Stripped | B-side = I'm OK | released = October 27, 2003 | recorded = 2002 | studio = * The Record Plant (Hollywood) * NRG Recording (North Hollywood) | venue = | genre = <!-- Do not add unsourced genres --> | length = * {{duration|m=4|s=15}} (radio edit) * {{duration|m=5|s=4}} (album version) | label = RCA | writer = * Christina Aguilera * Glen Ballard | producer = Glen Ballard | prev_title = Can't Hold Us Down | prev_year = 2003 | next_title = Car Wash | next_year = 2004 | misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|nA2k79EGHbc|"The Voice Within"}} | type = single }} }} "'''The Voice Within'''" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her fourth studio album, ''Stripped'' (2002). The song was written by Aguilera and Glen Ballard, with production handled by Ballard. It is a piano-driven ballad that talks about trusting oneself and one's instincts. "The Voice Within" was released as the fifth and final single from ''Stripped'' on October 27, 2003, by RCA Records.

Upon its release, "The Voice Within" received mainly positive reviews from music critics, who called it an inspirational ballad and praised Aguilera's strong vocals on the track, comparing it to Mariah Carey's work. Commercially, "The Voice Within" peaked within the top 10 of charts internationally including Australia, Canada, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. In the United States, the song reached number 33 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and number eleven on the Pop Airplay chart.

An accompanying music video for "The Voice Within" was directed by David LaChapelle. It was filmed in black and white as a one shot. The video was nominated for three MTV Video Music Awards at the 2004 ceremony. In support of ''Stripped'', Aguilera performed the track on her two major concert tours: Justified and Stripped Tour (2002–03) and The Stripped Tour (2003). "The Voice Within" has been covered on several television talent shows.

==Background and composition== {{listen |pos=left |filename=The Voice Within (Christina Aguilera song, radio edit - sample).ogg |title="The Voice Within" (2003) |description=A 30-second sample of "The Voice Within", a piano-driven ballad which talks about listening to yourself and finding inner strength.<ref name="billboardreview"/> |filetype=Ogg}} "The Voice Within" was written by Christina Aguilera and Glen Ballard, and was produced by Ballard.<ref name="Notes"/> The track was recorded by Scott Campbell at The Record Plant in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California and at NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, LA, CA, while it was mixed by Peter Mokran.<ref name="Notes"/> Bass was performed by Mike Elizondo, while Matt Chamberlain played drums.<ref name="Notes"/> Ballard also played guitar with John Goux, and played keyboards with Randy Kerber.<ref name="Notes"/> Musically, "The Voice Within" is a piano-driven ballad.<ref name="sheet"/> Composed in the key of G major, (later the key modulates to A major) it has a moderately slow tempo of 66 beats per minute.<ref name="sheet"/> Aguilera's vocal range on the track spans from the low-note of D<sub>3</sub> to the high-note of F♯<sub>5</sub>.<ref name=sheet>{{cite web|title=The Voice Within Digital Sheet Music|url=http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0043944#ProductDetails|work=Musicnotes|date=March 24, 2003|publisher=Universal Music Publishing Group|access-date=July 30, 2013|archive-date=November 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109085049/http://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtdFPE.asp?ppn=MN0043944#ProductDetails|url-status=live}}</ref> Her vocals on the song were described as strong and powerful by critics.<ref name="cduniverse"/><ref name="wetpaint"/> Lyrically, "The Voice Within" is an inspirational song that says that one should trust one's heart and own mind,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Waliszewski|first1=Bob|title=Stripped Album Review|url=http://www.pluggedin.com/music-reviews/album/christinaaguilera-stripped/|publisher=Plugged In (publication). Focus on the Family|access-date=June 12, 2016|archive-date=August 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180810205151/https://www.pluggedin.com/music-reviews/album/christinaaguilera-stripped/|url-status=live}}</ref> and find inner strength.<ref name="billboardreview">{{cite magazine|last1=Taylor|first1=Chuck|title=Music - Billboard Picks - Singles|magazine=Billboard|date=November 8, 2003|volume=115|issue=45|page=34|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Hw8EAAAAMBAJ&q=christina+aguilera+the+voice+within+review&pg=PA34|access-date=June 12, 2016|issn=0006-2510|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115225103/https://books.google.com/books?id=Hw8EAAAAMBAJ&q=christina+aguilera+the+voice+within+review&pg=PA34|url-status=live}}</ref> <!--<ref name="associated">{{cite web|url=http://voices.yahoo.com/motivational-songs-inspire-7872144.html?cat=2|title=Motivational Songs to Inspire|first=Kyra|last=Lennon|date=February 22, 2011|work=Associated Content|publisher=Yahoo!|access-date=July 30, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109085720/http://voices.yahoo.com/motivational-songs-inspire-7872144.html?cat=2|archive-date=November 9, 2013 }}</ref>-->The motivational lyrics include, "When there's no-one else, look inside yourself, like your oldest friend, just trust the voice within".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://genius.com/Christina-aguilera-the-voice-within-lyrics|title=Christina Aguilera – The Voice Within Lyrics|publisher=Genius. MediaLab AI, Inc.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307221536/https://genius.com/Christina-aguilera-the-voice-within-lyrics|archive-date=March 7, 2023|access-date=July 13, 2024}}</ref> As recalled by Aguilera, "I wrote this song when I was 20, 21, and it was a time in my life when you're being pushed and pulled in so many directions."<ref name="people">{{cite news|last1=Billups|first1=Andrea|title=The Voice: Teen Jacquie Lee Channels Coach Christina Aguilera|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20762107,00.html|access-date=June 12, 2016|work=People|date=December 3, 2013|archive-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826222452/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20762107,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> "The Voice Within" was released to US contemporary hit and adult contemporary radio stations on October 27, 2003, as the fifth and final single from ''Stripped'' by RCA Records.<ref name="radio1"/><ref name="radio2"/> It was also available for Maxi single sales in stores.<ref name="gercd"/> Aguilera wanted the Alicia Keys-penned ballad "Impossible" to be the last single from the album, but RCA opted for "The Voice Within".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/cancelled-singles-that-were-scrapped-at-the-last-minute__20682/|title=Cancelled! Singles that were scrapped at the last minute|publisher=Official Charts Company|date=October 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112042343/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/cancelled-singles-that-were-scrapped-at-the-last-minute__20682/|archive-date=January 12, 2018|access-date=July 13, 2024}}</ref>

== Critical reception == {{Quote box|width=30em||align=right|style=padding:8px|quote="The intention was to just write a song that we felt. I sat at my piano and we just made it up as we went along. When the smoke cleared, we had this song called 'The Voice Within.' It's about when you've been abandoned in the real world, there's still this thing inside you that, if you listen to it, it's your best friend."|source=— Songwriter and producer Glen Ballard on "The Voice Within".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/christina-aguilera-stripped-album-oral-history|title=Christina Aguilera's Stripped: An Oral History|work=W|publisher=W Media|first=Gary|last=Grimes|date=October 24, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20221025063836/https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/christina-aguilera-stripped-album-oral-history|archive-date=October 25, 2022|access-date=May 6, 2023}}</ref>}} Upon its release, "The Voice Within" received generally favorable reviews from music critics. Chuck Taylor of ''Billboard'' praised the "breathtaking and organically flowing" melody, noting that "Aguilera delivers what is perhaps her most assured vocal yet, punching through the clouds and taking her place as a fist-shaking member of the heavenly choir." Taylor also highlighted that the track "is an inspired recording and a showcase for all that this artist can accomplish when she lets the voice precede that offputting image."<ref name="billboardreview"/> Josh Kun from ''Spin'' labelled it a "swoony Celine-for-teens ballad".<ref>{{cite web |last=Kun |first=Josh |url=http://www.spin.com/reviews/christina-aguilera-stripped-rca |title=Christina Aguilera, 'Stripped' Review |work=Spin |access-date=October 23, 2011 |publisher=Bob Guccione Jr. |date=July 15, 2003 |archive-date=December 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111211104432/http://www.spin.com/reviews/christina-aguilera-stripped-rca |url-status=live }}</ref> Sal Cinquemani for Slant Magazine gave the song a very positive review, naming it an "inspirational" ballad and praised her powerful vocals.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=223 |author=Cinquemani, Sal |title=Stripped Review |magazine=Slant Magazine |date=November 2, 2002 |access-date=October 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021106093941/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/music_review.asp?ID=223 |archive-date=November 6, 2002 }}</ref> CD Universe also praised Aguilera's "rich, throaty style" vocals on the track and compared the song to works by Mariah Carey.<ref name="cduniverse">{{cite web|title=Christina Aguilera&nbsp;– Stripped LP|url=http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7562643|publisher=CD Universe|access-date=July 30, 2013|archive-date=July 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701165158/https://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7562643|url-status=live}}</ref> Sputnikmusic's critic Amanda Murray commented that the song is "tacky" yet "powerful all the same".<ref name=sputnikmusic>{{cite web|last=Murray|first=Amanda|title=Christina Aguilera&nbsp;– Stripped|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/8088/Christina-Aguilera-Stripped/|access-date=July 30, 2013|work=Sputnikmusic|publisher=Jeremy Ferwada|date=July 3, 2006|archive-date=September 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921054231/http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/8088/Christina-Aguilera-Stripped/|url-status=live}}</ref> Rachel McRady of Wetpaint complimented the song's inspiration melody, declaring that it "basically reduces us to tears every time we hear it".<ref name="wetpaint">{{cite web|url=http://www.wetpaint.com/the-voice/articles/top-5-best-christina-aguilera-songs-of-all-time|title=Top 5 Best Christina Aguilera Songs of All Time|work=Wetpaint|first=Rachel|last=McRady|location=Seattle|publisher=Wetpaint Ltd|date=March 13, 2013|access-date=July 30, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151730/http://www.wetpaint.com/the-voice/articles/top-5-best-christina-aguilera-songs-of-all-time|archive-date=April 2, 2015 }}</ref> Jason Scott from ''PopDust'' called it a "sweeping power-ballad" and praised its inspirational message.<ref name="pdust">{{cite web|url=https://www.popdust.com/christina-aguilera-10-best-songs-2577453508.html|title=Christina Aguilera's 10 Best Songs|work=PopDust|publisher=PopDust, Inc.|first=Jason|last=Scott|date=June 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906093427/https://www.popdust.com/christina-aguilera-10-best-songs-2577453508.html|archive-date=September 6, 2023|access-date=September 6, 2023|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref>

=== Accolades === {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" |+Accolades for "The Voice Within" !Critic/Publication !scope="col" class="unsortable"| List !data-sort-type="number"| Rank !scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |-Ad | ''AXS'' |Top 10 Best Christina Aguilera Songs | align=center| 6 | <ref>{{cite news|last1=Afshar|first1=Sarah|title=Top 10 best Christina Aguilera songs|url=http://www.axs.com/top-10-best-christina-aguilera-songs-46703|access-date=September 6, 2023|work=AXS|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304210337/https://www.axs.com/top-10-best-christina-aguilera-songs-46703|archive-date=March 4, 2016|date=March 29, 2015}}</ref> |-Ad | ''Billboard'' |Christina Aguilera's Top 20 Billboard Hits | align=center| 18 | <ref>{{cite magazine|last=Lipshut|first=Jason|title=Christina Aguilera's Top 20 ''Billboard'' Hits|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/christina-aguilera-biggest-hot-100-hits/|access-date=June 12, 2016|magazine=Billboard|date=August 22, 2014|archive-date=March 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316144457/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/6229087/christina-aguileras-top-20-billboard-hits|url-status=live}}</ref> |-Ad | The Official Charts Company | Christina Aguilera's Official Top 20 Biggest Selling Singles | align=center| 16 | <ref>{{cite news|last=Myers|first=Justin|title=Christina Aguilera's Official Top 20 Biggest Selling Singles Revealed|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/christina-aguilera-s-official-top-20-biggest-selling-singles-revealed__6061/|access-date=June 12, 2016|work=The Official Charts Company|date=October 10, 2014|archive-date=March 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312164238/http://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/christina-aguilera-s-official-top-20-biggest-selling-singles-revealed__6061/|url-status=live}}</ref> |-Ad | ''PopDust'' | Christina Aguilera's 10 Best Songs | align=center| Ranked | <ref name="pdust"/> |}

== Commercial performance == On November 29, 2003, "The Voice Within" made it chart debut on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart at number 62, becoming the week's "Hot Shot Debut".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Rg8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA64|title=Billboard Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|page=66|volume=115|issue=48|date=November 29, 2003|access-date=July 30, 2013|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115225105/https://books.google.com/books?id=Rg8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA64|url-status=live}}</ref> On the chart issue dated December 6, 2003, the single jumped to number 57.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Tw8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA60|title=Billboard Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|page=62|volume=115|issue=49|date=December 6, 2003|access-date=July 30, 2013|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115225104/https://books.google.com/books?id=Tw8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA60|url-status=live}}</ref> During the following week, the song rose to number 46.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bQ8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA70|title=Billboard Hot 100|page=72|magazine=Billboard|volume=115|issue=50|date=December 13, 2003|access-date=July 30, 2013|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115225104/https://books.google.com/books?id=bQ8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA70|url-status=live}}</ref> In its fourth week charting, it charted at number 36.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bA8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA80|title=Billboard Hot 100|page=84|magazine=Billboard|date=December 27, 2003|volume=115|issue=51|access-date=July 30, 2013|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115225104/https://books.google.com/books?id=bA8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=RA1-PA80|url-status=live}}</ref> Finally, it reached its peak at number 33 on January 10, 2004.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qA8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA64|title=Billboard Hot 100|page=66|magazine=Billboard|date=January 10, 2004|volume=116|issue=2|access-date=July 30, 2013|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115225104/https://books.google.com/books?id=qA8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA64|url-status=live}}</ref> The song became Aguilera's eleventh top-forty hit on the chart, and remained on the Hot 100 for a total of 16 weeks.<ref name="hot100">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/christina-aguilera/chart-history/hot-100|title=Christina Aguilera&nbsp;– Chart history: Hot 100|magazine=Billboard|access-date=July 30, 2013|archive-date=November 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121093314/https://www.billboard.com/artist/christina-aguilera/chart-history/hot-100/|url-status=live}}</ref> It also charted at number 11 on the Mainstream Top 40 chart,<ref name="popsongs"/> number 16 on the Adult Contemporary chart,<ref name="acchart"/> and number 33 on the Adult Top 40 chart.<ref name="adultpopsongs"/> The song reached number ten on the Canadian Hot 100 chart.<ref name="can">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/christina-aguilera-mn0000780258/awards|title=Christina Aguilera: Awards|publisher=AllMusic. All Media Network|access-date=April 20, 2015|archive-date=June 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624094346/http://www.allmusic.com/artist/christina-aguilera-mn0000780258/awards|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout Europe, "The Voice Within" achieved moderate success on charts, reaching the top ten on many of them.<ref name="swi"/> It was also a top-ten song in Australia, peaking at number eight in the country, making the fifth single from the album to reach the top-ten.<ref name="aus"/> In Switzerland, "The Voice Within" was ''Stripped''{{'s}} highest charting-single along with the lead-single "Dirrty", peaking at number three.<ref name=swi/>

==Music video== The song's music video was directed by David LaChapelle, who previously directed the music videos for "Dirrty" (2002) and "Can't Hold Us Down" (2003).<ref name=mtvvideo/> and produced by Media Magik Entertainment. He explained to MTV News that the video's concept, "There's all kinds of connotations to the word 'stripped.' I wanted to strip it down to one take. Just her and this incredible voice. And really not have anything that is going to overshadow that. She's trying to grow as an artist and along the way she's taking all kinds of risks and a lot of times people let those things overshadow her ability and her talent. I wanted to bring it all back as a sort of bookend to this album".<ref name=mtvvideo/> The video begins with a close-up scene of Aguilera and zooms out to her wearing a slip and sitting in an abandoned prop room.<ref name=mtvvideo/> In one continuous black and white shot, Aguilera walks through several rooms, exits the building, and finally lies on a light box. The video was filmed at a deserted theater in downtown Los Angeles. It was inspired by neorealist works.<ref name=mtvvideo>{{cite news|last=Moss|first=Corey|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1479845/20031020/aguilera_christina.jhtml|title=Stripped-Down Christina Aguilera Displays 'A Voice Within': Lens Recap|work=MTV News|publisher=Viacom|date=October 20, 2003|access-date=July 30, 2013|archive-date=April 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426224146/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1479845/20031020/aguilera_christina.jhtml|url-status=dead}}</ref> The video was nominated for three 2004 MTV Video Music Awards: Best Female Video, Viewer's Choice, and Best Cinematography.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2004/|title=2004 MTV Video Music Awards|work=MTV Networks|publisher=Viacom|access-date=July 30, 2013|archive-date=June 28, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120628223331/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/2004/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Live performances== [[File:Stripped Tour - The Voice Within.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Aguilera performing "The Voice Within" during The Stripped Tour (2003)]] Aguilera performed "The Voice Within" for the first time during the Justified & Stripped Tour (2003), a tour held in support of Aguilera's ''Stripped'' and Justin Timberlake's album ''Justified'' (2002).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=888&dat=20030715&id=8J5QAAAAIBAJ&pg=5135,5085788|title=Beautiful|first=Gina|last=Vivinetto|work=St. Petersburg Times|date=July 15, 2003|access-date=April 20, 2016|page=19|archive-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115225106/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=888&dat=20030715&id=8J5QAAAAIBAJ&pg=5135,5085788|url-status=live}}</ref> During the tour's late 2003 extension, The Stripped Tour, the singer also performed the track.<ref name="strippedlive"/> The performance is included in the video release ''Stripped Live in the U.K.'' (2004).<ref name=strippedlive>Knowles, Julia (director). ''Stripped Live in the U.K.'' (2004). RCA Records</ref> Aguilera promoted the song in France, during her appearance at the M6's television programme ''Hit Machine''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UXpmeNQLw0|title=Christina Aguilera 'The Voice Within' Live 'Hit Machine' 2003|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/4UXpmeNQLw0|archive-date=January 23, 2025|access-date=January 23, 2025}}</ref> She included the song on her setlist at a concert in Kuala Lumpur in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Johari|first1=Farouq|title=[PHOTOS] Did You Know Christina Aguilera Held A Secret Concert In KL?|url=http://says.com/my/entertainment/christina-aguilera-concert-in-shangri-la-hotel-kuala-lumpur|access-date=June 12, 2016|publisher=Says.com|date=March 31, 2014|archive-date=July 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709234045/https://says.com/my/entertainment/christina-aguilera-concert-in-shangri-la-hotel-kuala-lumpur|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, Aguilera also performed the track during her set at the 15th edition of Mawazine Festival.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Oliveira|first1=Ricardo|title=Fã publica no YouTube show completo de Christina Aguilera no Festival Mawazine|url=http://portalpopline.virgula.uol.com.br/fa-publica-no-youtube-show-completo-de-christina-aguilera-no-festival-mawazine/|language=pt|access-date=June 12, 2016|publisher=POPLINE|date=June 3, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160607081702/http://portalpopline.virgula.uol.com.br/fa-publica-no-youtube-show-completo-de-christina-aguilera-no-festival-mawazine/|archive-date=June 7, 2016}}</ref>

In July 2021, Aguilera performed the song for two nights at the Hollywood Bowl with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/concerts/9602622/christina-aguilera-philharmonic-hollywood-bowl-recap/|title=Christina Aguilera Reimagines Her Biggest Hits With the LA Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl|magazine=Billboard|first=Rania|last=Aniftos|date=July 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717181511/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/concerts/9602622/christina-aguilera-philharmonic-hollywood-bowl-recap/|access-date=July 18, 2021|archive-date=July 17, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.noise11.com/news/christina-aguilera-performs-with-orchestra-at-hollywood-bowl-20210718|title=Christina Aguilera Performs With Orchestra At Hollywood Bowl|publisher=Noise11.com. The Noise Network|first=Paul|last=Cashmere|date=July 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718042318/https://www.noise11.com/news/christina-aguilera-performs-with-orchestra-at-hollywood-bowl-20210718|access-date=July 18, 2021|archive-date=July 18, 2021}}</ref> In March 2022, she sang "The Voice Within" during the Expo 2020 concert in Dubai,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/2022/03/31/christina-aguilera-and-norah-jones-keep-it-high-and-low-at-expo-2020-dubai/|title=Christina Aguilera and Norah Jones keep it high and low at Expo 2020 Dubai|work=The National|first=Saeed|last=Saeed|date=March 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401012303/https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/music/2022/03/31/christina-aguilera-and-norah-jones-keep-it-high-and-low-at-expo-2020-dubai/|archive-date=April 1, 2022|access-date=April 1, 2022|url-status=bot: unknown}}</ref> and in January 2025 she performed it again, at the Joy Awards opening show.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wwd.com/pop-culture/celebrity-news/christina-aguilera-balmain-joy-awards-1236855447/|title=Christina Aguilera Glistens in Balmain at the Joy Awards in Riyadh|work=Women's Wear Daily|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|date=January 19, 2025|first=Marissa|last=Muller|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250119182915/https://wwd.com/pop-culture/celebrity-news/christina-aguilera-balmain-joy-awards-1236855447/|archive-date=January 19, 2025|access-date=January 19, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film-tv/2025/01/19/joy-awards-2025-moments-hrithik-assala-christina-aguilera/|title=Top moments from Joy Awards 2025, from Hrithik Roshan’s memorable speech to Christina Aguilera’s blazing set|work=The National|publisher=International Media Investments (IMI)|date=January 19, 2025|first=Saeed|last=Saeed|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250119183500/https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film-tv/2025/01/19/joy-awards-2025-moments-hrithik-assala-christina-aguilera/|archive-date=January 19, 2025|access-date=January 19, 2025}}</ref>

==Legacy and covers== Upon release, the song has been called one of Aguilera's best songs.<ref name="legacy1">{{Cite web|url=https://singersroom.com/w3/10-best-christina-aguilera-songs-of-all-time/#5_The_Voice_Within|title=10 Best Christina Aguilera Songs of All Time|access-date=June 4, 2023|website=Singers Room|last=Moore|first=Samuel|date=April 16, 2023}}</ref> It has been noted as a "powerful ballad about self-discovery and inner strength" and a fan-favourite.<ref name="legacy1"/> PopCrush writer Mike Nied noted that while the defining ballad on ''Stripped'' is often "Beautiful", "The Voice Within" "delivers the perfect personal pep talk and serves as a reminder to trust your gut".<ref name="legacy2">{{Cite web|url=https://popcrush.com/why-christina-aguilera-stripped-era-empowering/|title=11 Reasons Why Christina Aguilera's 'Stripped' Era Was so Empowering|access-date=June 4, 2023|website=PopCrush|last=Nied|first=Mike|date=October 21, 2022}}</ref> He added that the song "is every bit as important in Aguilera's discography".<ref name="legacy2"/>

The song has been covered on numerous singing competitions. On October 3, 2005, Roxane LeBrasse covered "The Voice Within" during the top nine show of the third season of Australian singing contest ''Australian Idol''.<ref name="australianidol"/> Despite being well received by judges, she was eliminated that night.<ref name="australianidol">{{cite AV media | people = Andrew G (host) and James Mathison (host) | date = October 3, 2005 | title = Australian Idol (Top 9) | publisher = Network Ten | location = Sydney Opera House}}</ref> On March 28, 2006, Katharine McPhee performed the track live on the 24th show of the fifth season of ''American Idol'', which resulted McPhee as one of the bottom two.<ref name="americanidol">{{cite AV media | people = Ryan Seacrest (host) | date = March 28, 2006 | title = American Idol (Songs from the 21st Century) | publisher = Fox Broadcasting Company | location = Kodak Theatre}}</ref> Simon Cowell compared McPhee's abilities to those of Aguilera, commenting that her performance was almost as good as the original singer.<ref name="americanidol"/>

==Track listings== {{Track listing | headline = Canadian CD single<ref name="Canadian CD single">{{cite AV media notes |title=''"The Voice Within"'' |type=CD single liner notes |others=Christina Aguilera |year=2003 |publisher=RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment |location=New York City | id=8287657432-2}}</ref> | total_length = | title1 = The Voice Within | note1 = Radio Edit | writer1 = {{flat list| * Aguilera * Glen Ballard }} | length1 = 4:15

| title2 = Fighter | note2 = Freelance Hellraister "Thug Pop" Extended Edit | writer2 = {{flat list| * Aguilera * Scott Storch }} | length2 = 5:11 }}

{{Track listing | headline = Mini CD single<ref name="Pock It single">{{cite AV media notes |title=''"The Voice Within"'' |type=CD single liner notes |others=Christina Aguilera |year=2003 |publisher=RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment |location=New York City | id=82876 58829 2}}</ref> | total_length = | title1 = The Voice Within | writer1 = {{flat list| * Aguilera * Ballard }} | length1 = 5:04

| title2 = I'm OK | writer2 = {{flat list| * Aguilera * Linda Perry }} | length2 = 5:18 }}

{{Track listing | headline = DVD single<ref name="DVD single">{{cite AV media notes |title=''"The Voice Within"'' |type=DVD single liner notes |others=Christina Aguilera |year=2003 |publisher=RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment |location=New York City | id=82876 57819}}</ref> | total_length = | title1 = The Voice Within | note1 = Album Version | writer1 = {{flat list| * Aguilera * Ballard }} | length1 = 5:04

| title2 = Beautiful | note2 = Fug Remix | writer2 = Linda Perry | length2 = 5:47

| title3 = The Voice Within | note3 = Video | writer3 = {{flat list| * Aguilera * Ballard }} | length3 = 5:04

| title4 = Photo Gallery }}

{{Track listing | headline = Maxi single<ref name="Maxi single">{{cite AV media notes |title=''"The Voice Within"'' |type=Maxi single liner notes |others=Christina Aguilera |year=2003 |publisher=RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment |location=New York City | id=82876 572342}}</ref> | total_length = | title1 = The Voice Within | note1 = Album Version | writer1 = {{flat list| * Aguilera * Ballard }} | length1 = 5:04

| title2 = The Voice Within | note2 = Radio Edit | writer2 = {{flat list| * Aguilera * Ballard }} | length2 = 4:15

| title3 = Beautiful | note3 = Fug Remix | writer3 = Perry | length3 = 5:47

| title4 = Can't Hold Us Down | note4 = featuring Lil' Kim) (Da Yard Riddim Mix | writer4 = {{flat list| * Aguilera * Storch * Matt Morris }} | length4 = 4:16 }}

{{Track listing | headline = 12"<ref name="12-inch">{{cite AV media notes |title=''"The Voice Within"'' |type=12" liner notes |others=Christina Aguilera |year=2003 |publisher=RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment |location=New York City | id=82876 58429 1}}</ref> | total_length = | title1 = The Voice Within | note1 = Album Version | writer1 = {{flat list| * Aguilera * Ballard }} | length1 = 5:04

| title2 = Beautiful | note2 = Fug Remix | writer2 = Perry | length2 = 5:47

| title3 = Can't Hold Us Down | note3 = featuring Lil' Kim) (Da Yard Riddim Mix | writer3 = {{flat list| * Aguilera * Storch * Morris }} | length3 = 4:16

| title4 = Can't Hold Us Down | note4 = featuring Lil' Kim) (Medasyn Mix | writer4 = {{flat list| * Aguilera * Storch * Morris }} | length4 = 4:11 }}

==Credits and personnel== Credits are adapted from the liner notes of ''Stripped''.<ref name="Notes">{{cite AV media notes |title=Stripped |title-link=Stripped (Christina Aguilera album) |others=Christina Aguilera |year=2002 |type=liner notes |publisher=RCA Records |location=United States}}</ref> '''Recording locations''' * Recorded at The Record Plant in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California and NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California '''Personnel''' {{div col}} * Vocals&nbsp;- Christina Aguilera * Songwriting&nbsp;– Christina Aguilera, Glen Ballard * Producing&nbsp;– Glen Ballard * Recorded&nbsp;– Scott Campbell * Mixing&nbsp;– Peter Mokran * Bass&nbsp;– Mike Elizondo * Drums&nbsp;– Matt Chamberlain * Guitar&nbsp;– Glen Ballard, John Goux * Keyboards&nbsp;– Glen Ballard, Randy Kerber {{div col end}}

==Charts== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}

===Weekly charts=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ Weekly chart performance for "The Voice Within" ! scope="col"| Chart (2003–2004) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Australia|8|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|refname=aus|access-date=July 30, 2013}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Austria|7|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|refname=aut|access-date=July 30, 2013}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Flanders|14|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|refname=fla|access-date=July 30, 2013}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Wallonia|40|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|refname=wall|access-date=July 30, 2013}} |- !scope="row"| Canada (Nielsen SoundScan)<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-canada-digital-song-sales/2004-01-17|title=Canadian Digital Song Sales|publisher=Nielsen Soundscan|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 30, 2019|archive-date=December 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214163121/https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-canada-digital-song-sales/2004-01-17/|url-status=live}}</ref> | 10 |- !scope="row"{{single chart|CIS|104|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|songid=535|access-date=February 22, 2021|refname="cis"}} |- !scope="row"| Czech Republic (Rádio Top 50)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifpicr.cz/radio.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040603030516/http://www.ifpicr.cz/radio.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 3, 2004|title=Oficiální Česká Hitparáda|publisher=International Federation of the Phonographic Industry|access-date=March 30, 2019}} ''Note: Access the Neibraněiší section for chart''.</ref> | 3 |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Denmark|9|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|refname=den|access-date=July 30, 2013}} |- !scope="row"| Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)<ref name=eu>{{cite magazine|title=Hits of the World: Eurocharts|magazine=Billboard|volume=116|issue=3|page=45|date=January 17, 2004}}</ref> | 13 |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Germany|13|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|songid=5920|refname=ger|access-date=October 11, 2018}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Hungaryradio|8|year=2004|week=9|refname=hung|access-date=July 30, 2013}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Hungarysingle|10|year=2004|week=1|access-date=January 19, 2024}} |- !scope="row"| Iceland (Íslenski Listinn Topp 20)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timarit.is/files/8451150.pdf|title=Íslenski Listinn Topp 20 (Vika 49)|publisher=Íslenski listinn|access-date=April 5, 2019|language=is|archive-date=April 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405205120/http://timarit.is/files/8451150.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> | 19 |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Ireland2|4|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|refname=ire|access-date=January 29, 2020}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Italy|19|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|refname=ita|access-date=July 30, 2013}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Dutch40|6|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|refname=dutch|access-date=July 30, 2013}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Dutch100|8|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|refname=dutch2|access-date=February 17, 2020}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|New Zealand|16|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|access-date=July 30, 2013|refname=nz}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Norway|13|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|access-date=July 30, 2013|refname=no}} |- !scope="row"| Romania (Romanian Top 100)<ref name="romania">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050514170021/http://www.rt100.ro/editie-top-100_x10107.html|url=http://www.rt100.ro/editie-top-100_x10107.html|title=Arhiva romanian top 100 – Editia 8, saptamina 23.02 - 29.02, 2004|publisher=Romanian Top 100|archive-date=May 14, 2005|access-date=September 12, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> | 48 |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Scotland|10|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|date=2003-12-14|access-date=June 17, 2015}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Sweden|10|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|access-date=July 30, 2013|refname=se}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Switzerland|3|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|access-date=July 30, 2013|refname=swi}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|UK|9|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|date=2003-12-20|access-date=July 30, 2013|refname=ukchart}} |- !scope="row"| UK Dance Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/8269/christina-aguilera/|title=Christina Aguilera Songs and Albums – Full Official Charts History|publisher=Official Charts Company|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/o3Brf|archive-date=October 28, 2024|access-date=October 28, 2024}}</ref> | 9 |- !scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' Hot 100<ref name="hot100"/> | 33 |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Billboardadultcontemporary|16|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|access-date=July 30, 2013|refname=acchart}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Billboardadultpopsongs|33|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|access-date=July 30, 2013|refname=adultpopsongs}} |- !scope="row"{{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|11|artist=Christina Aguilera|song=The Voice Within|access-date=July 30, 2013|refname=popsongs}} |- !scope="row"|US Top 40 Tracks (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/299251/christina-aguilera/chart?f=382 |title=Top 40 Tracks |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208010540/http://www.billboard.com/artist/299251/christina-aguilera/chart?f=382 |archive-date=8 February 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> |17 |} {{col-2}}

===Year-end charts=== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ 2003 year-end chart performance for "The Voice Within" ! scope="col"| Chart (2003) ! scope="col"| Position |- ! scope="row"| Ireland (IRMA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/2fm/charts/top100_2003.html|title=Top 100 Songs of 2003|publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann|year=2003|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040602113024/http://www.rte.ie/2fm/charts/top100_2003.html|archive-date=June 2, 2004|access-date=March 16, 2022}}</ref> | 34 |- !scope="row"| UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|title=Yearly Best Selling Singles |url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2003.pdf |publisher=British Phonographic Industry |work=UKChartsPlus |access-date=July 30, 2013 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921060039/http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2003.pdf |archive-date=September 21, 2013}}</ref> | 195 |}

{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+ 2004 year-end chart performance for "The Voice Within" ! scope="col"| Chart (2004) ! scope="col"| Position |- !scope="row"| Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)<ref>{{cite web|title=Jahreshitparade 2004 - austriancharts.at|url=http://austriancharts.at/2004_single.asp|work=Ö3 Austria Top 40|language=de|access-date=July 30, 2013|archive-date=September 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110903055538/http://www.austriancharts.at/2004_single.asp|url-status=live}}</ref> | 37 |- !scope="row"| Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)<ref>{{cite web|title=Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2004 |url=http://hitparade.ch/year.asp?key=2004 |work=Swiss Singles Chart |access-date=April 28, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080522014633/http://hitparade.ch/year.asp?key=2004 |archive-date=May 22, 2008}}</ref> | 35 |- ! scope="row"| US Adult Contemporary (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=2004 The Year in Charts: Most-Played AC Songs|magazine=Billboard Radio Monitor|volume=12|issue=51|page=28|date=December 17, 2004}}</ref> | 41 |- ! scope="row"| US Mainstream Top 40 (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|title=2004 The Year in Charts: Most-Played Mainstream Top 40 Songs|magazine=Billboard Radio Monitor|volume=12|issue=51|page=22|date=December 17, 2004}}</ref> | 63 |} {{col-end}}

==Certifications== {{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "The Voice Within"}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Christina Aguilera|title=The Voice Within|award=Silver|type=single|relyear=2004|certyear=2026|access-date=March 27, 2026}} {{Certification Table Bottom|streaming=true|nosales=true|noshipments=true}}

==Release history== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |+ Release dates and formats for "The Voice Within" ! scope="col"| Region ! scope="col"| Date ! scope="col"| Format(s) ! scope="col"| Label(s) ! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- ! scope="row"| United States | October 27, 2003 | {{hlist|Adult contemporary radio|contemporary hit radio}} | RCA | align="center"| <ref name="radio1">{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=10/27/2003&Format=1|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130801160933/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=10/27/2003&Format=1|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 1, 2013|title=R&R :: Going for Adds :: CHR/Top 40|work=Radio & Records|publisher=VNU Media|access-date=April 29, 2013}}</ref><ref name="radio2">{{cite web|url=http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=10/27/2003&Format=3|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130801160944/http://gfa.radioandrecords.com/publishGFA/GFANextPage.asp?sDate=10/27/2003&Format=3|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 1, 2013|title=R&R :: Going for Adds :: AC|work=Radio & Records|publisher=VNU Media|access-date=April 29, 2013}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"| Germany | rowspan="2"| December 8, 2003 | Maxi CD | rowspan="3"| {{hlist|RCA|BMG}} | align="center"| <ref name="gercd">{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.de/The-Voice-Within-Christina-Aguilera/dp/B0000VAWNO|title=The Voice Within [Single]|work=Amazon.de|language=de|publisher=Amazon Inc|access-date=April 29, 2013|archive-date=July 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709234215/https://www.amazon.de/The-Voice-Within-Christina-Aguilera/dp/B0000VAWNO|url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"| United Kingdom | {{hlist|CD|DVD}} | align="center"| <ref>{{cite magazine|title=Reviews: Singles|magazine=Music Week|page=31|date=November 29, 2003}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"| Canada | December 9, 2003 | CD | align="center"| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdplus.com/cdplus300/default.asp?isle=0&action=detail&code=428894|title='Voice Within' (2 Tracks)|publisher=CDPlus.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040217191449/http://www.cdplus.com/cdplus300/default.asp?isle=0&action=detail&code=428894|archive-date=February 17, 2004}}</ref> |}

==References== {{Reflist}}{{Christina Aguilera songs}} {{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Voice Within, The}} Category:2000s ballads Category:2002 songs Category:2003 singles Category:Black-and-white music videos Category:Christina Aguilera songs Category:Music videos directed by David LaChapelle Category:RCA Records singles Category:Songs written by Christina Aguilera Category:Songs written by Glen Ballard Category:Pop ballads