The main attraction or most important performer at a show or event, or a sensational news story printed in large letters at the top of a page.
Formed in English from 'headline' (the news sense) combined with the agent suffix '-er,' originally referring to news stories, then adopted for entertainment to mean the top act that draws audiences.
When a band is the headliner, they literally get their name in the headline and go on last—concert venues discovered that putting the biggest star last keeps crowds waiting longer and excited throughout the whole show. It's pure psychology!
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