Rock the Universe, Florida’s biggest Christian music festival, has been a cherished event for me and countless concertgoers for years. I've attended the event since 2019, making me a festival veteran, but I know others have attended for more years. 
 
The festival had its 25th anniversary on January 27, and it was a privilege to attend the first night. At Universal Studios Florida, Rock the Universe appeals to me because of its unique theme park setting. The back-to-back excitement of riding Rip Ride Rockit, the park's biggest coaster, and then dancing while watching your favorite artists is a complete rush. 
 
The festival features three separate stages, each offering a different concert experience. This year, I attended concerts at all three stages and found the smallest one to be the best.
 
Katy Nichole, at the Hollywood Stage
 
After a day of rides, my energy was waning, but as soon as I stepped into the crowd at Hollywood Stage, the excitement surged back. I arrived early and noticed that people’s excitement was contained to conversation with friends, but as showtime approached, the cheers became louder. The lights dimmed, then began pulsing, and against a breathtaking navy blue sky, complete with a brilliant crescent moon, Christian contemporary music’s new superstar, Katy Nichole took the stage. 
 
To say the crowd burst into applause would be a crude understatement. Their admiration and love for the up-and-coming Christian pop artist were evident: from the enthusiastic “I love yous” to the hundreds of phones raised in the air to catch her performance. She sang “God Is in This Story” and her new song, “Please.” And, of course, she performed her breakthrough single, “In Jesus' Name (God of Possible).” To be honest, I never caught that song though because I left early to attend the nearby Gable Price and Friends concert. 
 
Gable Price and Friends, at the Coca-Cola Fan Zone Stage
 
The band performed on the smaller Coca-Cola Fan Zone Stage, but as one concertgoer noted after the show, they won't stay small for long. From an impeccable front-row view, I saw the most energetic performance of my life, as proven by my hoarse voice from shouting and sore legs from jumping. And yet, it was so worth it. What stuck out to me were the connections I made standing against the gate, waiting for the show to start. I met students from a college group and some relatives of one of the band members. Their energy levels were high, like mine. I’ve been a fan of Gable Price and Friends for nearly a year. But I felt I still needed that nudge to fully let loose and go wild seeing them perform live. I don't think I would have felt that way anywhere else besides the supportive, lively, and sometimes chaotic atmosphere at Rock the Universe. 
 
Gable Price has enough energy to carry every band in the theme park. There was so much joy on his face and sharing my favorite festival with a band whose words mean the world to me is an experience I’ll never forget. The group presented plenty of fresh melodies from their new record, The Consequence of Being Alive, balanced out by catchy throwbacks like “I Need You” and “Heretic.” 
 
Gable's charismatic performance of "Ten Percent" has made it my new favorite song. The memories of singing along with newfound friends, accentuated by his energetic delivery of kicks, smiles, and waves, make me smile. I can’t wait to experience their next live show and hope to see them again at Rock the Universe.
 
Bethel Music, at the Hollywood Stage
 
After Gable and his friends came a short food break (I needed it after the craziness of jumping around). At Universal Studios, the food and beverage options are plentiful, even themed to the area you’re in, a stark contrast to typical concert concessions. I never would have thought of combining theme parks and concerts, but in 1998, someone did, and it brings both happiness and satisfying meals to guests—especially me.
 
My next planned concert was worship band Bethel Music at the Hollywood Stage. Admittedly, I only wanted to stay for a few songs, leave early, and get a good seat for the night’s headliner, the iconic rock band Skillet. Nonetheless, Bethel's melodies, including my favorite, “Raise a Hallelujah,” were beautiful. The set was led by worship leaders Paul and Hannah McClure, Bethany Wohrle, and David Funk. 
 
As I headed out, I turned around to see the crowd raising their hands and voices to Jesus, a tear-jerking sight. Bethel Music was doing its part to lead people to Him. And wasn’t that the whole point of the night? It was beautiful.  
 
Skillet, at the Music Plaza Stage
 
Skillet's performance concluded the first night of the event. Despite being far back, I had a center view and was grateful for it. Their popularity was undeniable. Everyone in the park gathered to see the Christian rock band, and for good reason. What a show. I’ve seen the Skillet play in different settings: arenas, conference centers, theme parks, and even drive-ins, but their performance on the Music Plaza Stage is in my top three. The technical aspects were impeccable: pyrotechnics, raising platforms, and symphonic composition of lights and sound. 
 
Even more notably, the band united the lively audience. Everyone from head-bobbers, roaring screamers, unconfident lyric-whisperers, and casual watchers. Skillet’s one-hour set consisted of classics like “Hero,” “Monster” and the energetic finisher, “The Resistance.” My favorite moment was during "Feel Invincible" when lead singer John Cooper let the audience sing the last few lines. The resounding sound of the phrase “invincible” was so communal, so assertive over our confidence in Jesus. I deeply admire seeing a rock band do that. 
 
After the Show
 
I had a great time, but not just me. Walking around the park, I could hear mashups of laughter and recounted moments from the night’s performances. Rock the Universe has become home over the last few years. Every stage has its charm, and every band has its appeal: the atmosphere of love for Katy Nichole, the set-free vibrancy of Gable Price and Friends, the communal place of worship facilitated by Bethel Music, and the unmatched fiery passion of Skillet. Each uniquely brought a sense of joy. If you haven’t attended Rock the Universe, I highly recommend it. Next year’s event will take place on January 26 and 27. I hope to see you there!