Merkel and Ardern were the stars of the show (7,6)

I believe the answer is:

leading ladies

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'stars of the show' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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