The performer rates it differently (7)
I believe the answer is:
artiste
'the performer' is the definition.
(an artiste is a performer or entertainer)
'rates it differently' is the wordplay.
'differently' indicates an anagram.
'rates'+'it'='ratesit'
'ratesit' anagrammed gives 'ARTISTE'.
(Other definitions for artiste that I've seen before include "A sitter for a performer" , "A sitter for creative person" , "Attires (anag.)" , "Person playing" , "Attires like entertainer" .)