Clarkson premiered "Miss Independent" on the second season of "American Idol" in May 2003. Throughout 2003, she performed it on various television events, including the inaugural season of "Australian Idol", "The Late Show with David Letterman", and "The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn". She also performed the song in sports events, notably at the 2003 NRL Grand Final at the Stadium Australia on October 5, 2003. Since then, she has included the song in her set lists on tour, even naming her first co-headlining tour, the Independent Tour (20040, after the song. In 2012, she performed a medley of her songs at the 40th Anniversary American Music Awards, beginning with "Miss Independent", continuing to "Since U Been Gone", "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)", and "Catch My Breath".