special guest
Featured invited attendee
A special guest is someone invited to an event or performance who holds particular significance or draws extra attention.
The designation implies distinction from ordinary attendees or regular participants: Tonight's special guest is the mayor.
On talk shows and podcasts, a special guest is the featured interview subject.
At concerts, a special guest performs but isn't the headliner.
The term can be genuinely honorific or inflated for promotional effect.
- VIPNotable, for short
- celebrityWidely recognized public figure
- honoreeOne being celebrated
- keynoteCentral theme or speech
- appearanceOutward visible form
invitation · plus one · spotlight · applause · standing ovation · introduction · podium · red carpet · red carpet treatment · exclusive · distinguished · headline · cameo · surprise · announcement · welcome · hosting · audience
- TV guest spotscameo, celebrity cameo, crossover, walk-on
- wrestlingbody slam, wrestlers, takedown, pinfall, suplex
- Concert Termsheadliner, opening act, headline act, main act, encore
- game show peoplecontestant, host, winner, loser, announcer
- Visitorsvisitor, houseguest, invitee, company, caller
- spotlightspotlight, center stage, limelight, main attraction, star attraction
special guestuninvited guest
Attendee lacking formal welcome
unwelcome guest · gatecrasher · party crasher · intruder · trespasser
special guesthost
One receiving guests
main act · headliner · employee · spectator · house band
special guestregular attendee
regular · fixture · mainstay · staple · season ticket holder
special, guest, specially, specialize, specialized, specialization, specialist, specialty, especial