After its release late October 5 evening, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s benefit track “Almost Like Praying” has reached the top spot of Billboard’s October 28 Digital Song Sales chart.
The song is a response to the devastation Puerto Rico faces following Hurricane Maria, which left millions without homes, food, or water. Proceeds go directly to the Hispanic Federation’s UNIDOS Disaster Relief Fund.
Read: LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA DEBUTS STARRY SINGLE TO BENEFIT PUERTO RICO
According to Billboard, Nielsen Music projects 111,000 downloads in the week ending October 13. This lands the song on the publication’s Hot 100 chart, marking Miranda’s first track in the top 40.
The Hamilton Tony and Pulitzer winner spoke to Billboard about the song’s resonance and reach, saying, “I’m filled with gratitude. The generosity of the American people sends a clear message to our fellow citizens and the 78 municipalities of Puerto Rico: we have not forgotten about you, we will never forget you, and we will continue to be here for you.”
The song begins with lyrics to West Side Story’s “Maria,” before the lineup of stars recites the 78 towns in the U.S. island territory. The roster includes Jennifer Lopez (who partnered with Miranda on the 2016 benefit single “Love Make the World Go Round” following the mass shooting at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub), Gloria Estefan, On Your Feet! star Ana Villafañe, Broadway-bound John Leguizamo, Rita Moreno, Hamilton alum Anthony Ramos, and Miranda’s frequent collaborator Alex Lacamoire.
“Almost Like Praying” is available to download or stream here.
