7 Across
NYT Mini • August 19, 2025
Singer Presley or Costello
Answer:
ELVIS
Hint:
5-letter answer
Explanation:
This clue plays on two famous singers who share the first name Elvis—Elvis Presley, the iconic "King of Rock and Roll," and Elvis Costello, the British new wave musician. The word "or" signals that either last name could fit, but "Presley" is the more instantly recognizable answer here. Since the answer is just the first name, the clue cleverly misdirects by listing their surnames to make you think deeper.