Performer makes a start that is different (7)
I believe the answer is:
artiste
'performer makes a start that is different' is the definition.
'artiste' can be an answer for 'performer' (an artiste is a performer or entertainer). I'm not sure about the rest of the definition.
'performer makes a start' is the wordplay.
'performer' becomes 'artist' (eg a musician).
'makes a start' becomes 'e' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'artist'+'e'='ARTISTE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for artiste that I've seen before include "Attires like entertainer" , "Attires (anag.)" , "Performers" , "One entertaining" , "nightclub entertainer?" .)