Critics gave "Irresistible" mostly mixed reviews. Although a few praised the song for its theme and production, most criticized Simpson's singing style, the sexual nature of the song's lyrics, and the over-use of digital sound enhancers. The song reached number eleven on the UK Singles Chart and number fifteen on the United States "Billboard" Hot 100, while peaking within the top twenty in twelve other countries. Despite not charting within the top twenty in Australia, it was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of more than 35,000 copies within the country. The song ranked on the "Billboard" Hot 100 and Australian year-end charts at numbers sixty-three and fifty, respectively.