Crossword Genius

Backing singers admire characteristic of famous diva? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

starlike

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'characteristic of famous diva?' is the definition.
The definition suggests an adjective which matches the answer.

'backing singers admire' is the wordplay.
'backing singers' becomes 'star' (I can't justify this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'admire' becomes 'like' (I've seen this in another clue).
'star'+'like'='STARLIKE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for starlike that I've seen before include "bright, perhaps?" , "bright but quite small?" , "celestial body might be?" , "Resembling pointed object" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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