Headliner

n.joyful, capableprofessional

What it means

The leading performer, speaker, or attraction given top billing at an event.

Reach for it when identifying the main draw without assuming it is the best contribution

A local jazz pianist will be the festival's Saturday headliner.

playful
marquee name
familiar fame is expected to attract attendance
not when The phrase reduces artistic value to selling power.
everyday
main act
the featured performance is the practical focus
not when Main act suits entertainment but not a conference speaker or exhibition.
everyday
star
fame and audience attention center on one performer
not when Star can describe celebrity status without top billing at this event.
professional
lead attraction
the event's primary audience draw matters
not when Attraction can sound impersonal when referring to a respected speaker.
professional
top billing
promotional placement is the exact fact
not when Top billing names status on the program, not the person who holds it.
formal
featured performer
neutral program copy should identify prominence
not when Featured may include several artists; principal billing is not guaranteed.

festival headliner
The festival headliner invited the youth ensemble back for an encore.
headline performer
The headline performer asked to share billing with the local choir.
announced as headliner
She was announced as headliner after the original singer withdrew.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.