Crossword Genius

It helps an artiste perform brilliantly (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spangle

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

'it helps an artiste perform brilliantly' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'it helps an' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is located in the answer.
'an' could be 'a' and 'a' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spangle that I've seen before include "Sequin" , "Glittery item" , "glitter" , "metal plate" , "Glittering ornament" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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