Crossword Genius

Budding opera character (with a beard?) (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

billy

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

'budding opera' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'character with a beard?' is the wordplay.
'character' becomes 'b'.
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'a beard?' becomes 'illy' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'b'+'illy'='BILLY'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for billy that I've seen before include "... boy" , "Metal camping can for tea" , "Goat; camper's kettle" , "Light metal cooking pot used for camping" , "The familiar male goat" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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