headliner
n.the most famous or popular performer at a concert or event. You usually see their name at the top of the poster.
n.the principal performer or attraction at a concert, festival, or event. Often used in the plural to refer to the most prominent acts on a bill.
“The band is the headliner for the summer festival.”
“Despite the smaller acts being excellent, the crowd was waiting for the headliner to take the stage.”
“The festival's lineup features several international headliners, ensuring that the final night of the event will be the most attended of the week.”
“The rock energy continued on the main stage as Fontaines DC followed Charli, with both acts billed as headliners for the opening night of Reading.”
“Eavis said Glastonbury had booked all its headliners for June 2027.”
From headline (verb) + -er.
From head + liner.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.