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 | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| professional |
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| formal |
playful
marquee name
Fits when familiar fame is expected to attract attendance
Careful The phrase reduces artistic value to selling power.
everyday
main act
Fits when the featured performance is the practical focus
Careful Main act suits entertainment but not a conference speaker or exhibition.
everyday
star
Fits when fame and audience attention center on one performer
Careful Star can describe celebrity status without top billing at this event.
professional
lead attraction
Fits when the event's primary audience draw matters
Careful Attraction can sound impersonal when referring to a respected speaker.
professional
top billing
Fits when promotional placement is the exact fact
Careful Top billing names status on the program, not the person who holds it.
formal
featured performer
Fits when neutral program copy should identify prominence
Careful 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.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Updated
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