| THEXFACTOR | Hard-to-define element, or a hint to what can precede each last word in answers to starred clues |
| MOUTHED | Lip-synched, and word that can follow the first word in answers to asterisked clues |
| XFACTOR | Hard-to-define element |
| SETLIST | Itemized concert songs in playing order - and what all the words in answers to starred clues comprise |
| GOESWITHTHEFLOW | Conforms, or what each last word of 17-, 22-, 36- and 46-Across literally does |
| FOLLOWSTHECROWD | Conforms, or what each last word of 16-, 27- and 44-Across literally does |
| AIRLINE | Pipe for inflating tires... and each last word of 17-, 22-, 45-, and 56-across. |
| POWERPLAY | Takeover endeavor ... and a hint to what can precede each word in the answers to starred clues |
| DEADAHEAD | Directly in your path, or a hint to what can precede each starred answer's first word |
| DOUBLE | Clone, or what can precede each half of the answers to the starred clues |
| DOUBLETAKE | Surprised reaction ... or a hint to what can precede both halves of the answers to the starred clues |
| BAR | Happy hour site, and word that can follow each last name in the answers to starred clues |
| FIRESIDES | Warm, cozy places ... and a hint to what can precede both parts of the answers to starred clues |
| AIR | Word that can precede each half of the answers to each of the eight starred clues |
| SUPERCOUPLE | Jay-Z and Beyonce, for one ... or a hint to what can precede both words of each starred clue's answer |
| WATERFRONT | Harbor area, or a hint to what can precede either half of each starred answer? |
| OVERTHETOP | Wildly exaggerated, or a hint to two words that can precede each starred answer's start |
| JUMP | Word that can precede each set of circled letters, forming a literal hint for entering certain answers in this puzzle |
| BOOKENDS | Simon & Garfunkel album, and a hint to what can precede and follow the halves of the starred answers |
| SAN | Word that forms a city when combined with the first names in answers to starred clues |
