Headliner: meaning, definitions and examples

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headliner

 

[ ˈhɛdˌlaɪnər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

show business

A headliner is the main performer in a show, concert, or similar event who is expected to attract the largest audience. Often placed at the top of the bill, headliners are typically well-known artists whose names draw in crowds. Their performance usually concludes the event, making them the focal point of the entertainment. The role of a headliner carries significant prestige and can greatly influence the success of the event.

Synonyms

main act, star attraction, top-billed

Examples of usage

  • The headliner for the music festival this year is a Grammy-winning artist.
  • Local bands often open for the headliner at larger concerts.
  • She was thrilled to be the headliner at the annual charity gala.
  • The event's ticket sales soared once the headliner was announced.

Translations

Translations of the word "headliner" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cabeça de cartaz

🇮🇳 मुख्य आकर्षण

🇩🇪 Hauptattraktion

🇮🇩 penampil utama

🇺🇦 головна тема

🇵🇱 główna atrakcja

🇯🇵 ヘッドライナー

🇫🇷 tête d'affiche

🇪🇸 cabeza de cartel

🇹🇷 başlık

🇰🇷 헤드라이너

🇸🇦 العنوان الرئيسي

🇨🇿 hlavní atrakce

🇸🇰 hlavná atrakcia

🇨🇳 主头条

🇸🇮 glavna atrakcija

🇮🇸 aðal fyrirsagnir

🇰🇿 басты тақырып

🇬🇪 მთავარი სათაური

🇦🇿 başlıq

🇲🇽 encabezado

Etymology

The term 'headliner' originated in the 19th century, initially referring to the main title or headline placed at the top of a newspaper article. The usage evolved with the growth of vaudeville and theater, where it came to denote the primary performer in a live entertainment setting. The importance of headliners escalated with the rise of popular music and large-scale concerts in the mid-20th century. In essence, a headliner has always been synonymous with drawing power in show business, and their presence often dictates audience turnout and sales. As the entertainment industry evolved, so did the recognition and financial compensation for headlining acts, making them central figures in promotional strategies. Today, headliners are pivotal in various entertainment forms, including festivals, theatrical performances, and other gatherings, where they serve not only as performers but also as icons of cultural significance.