Where singers are concerned, was out of it (5)

I believe the answer is:

waits

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'where singers are concerned' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun but the answer is a plural noun.

'was out of it' is the wordplay.
'out of' indicates putting letters inside (some letters on the outside of others).
'was' enclosing 'it' is 'WAITS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for waits that I've seen before include "Stays" , "Night-time Yuletide singers" , "Stands by - carollers" , "Carol singers" , "Expects" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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