SeaWorld "Believe" Show Soundtrack: 10 Inspirational Songs

Musical Accompaniment to the Orca Show

The "Believe" show (2009-2015, replaced by "One Ocean" then "Orca Encounter") featured a curated playlist of uplifting songs synchronized with whale behaviors. Setlist varied by park/year; representative selection:

1. "Believe" — Cher (theme song)
2. "I Will Always Love You" — Whitney Houston
3. "Hero" — Mariah Carey
4. "Because You Loved Me" — Celine Dion
5. "Hallelujah" — Leonard Cohen (often k.d. lang or Jeff Buckley version)
6. "How Great Thou Art" — Traditional hymn (orchestral)
7. "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" — Hillsong United
8. "I Was Here" — Beyoncé
9. "Rise Up" — Andra Day
10. "What a Wonderful World" — Louis Armstrong

Show Context

• Featured orcas (Shamu) performing synchronized behaviors
• Trainers in wetsuits, thematic costumes
• Message: human-whale bond, conservation inspiration
• Controversy: Blackfish (2013) shifted public opinion; show phased out

Current Orca Presentation

SeaWorld now presents **"Orca Encounter"** — educational, no theatrical stunts, natural behaviors narrated. Music is ambient/original score, not pop soundtrack.

Legacy

"Believe" represented an era. The playlist reflects early 2010s inspirational pop—power ballads, anthems, spirituals. Whether moving or manipulative depends on your view of cetacean captivity.