Whoopi Goldberg melted the hearts of an on-screen congregation, as well as a generation of moviegoers, in 1992s Sister Act . However, a different diva nearly played the lead in the beloved musical comedy.

Appearing on the Just for Variety podcast Tuesday, Bette Midler revealed that studio executives sought her for the role of Deloris Van Cartier aka Sister Mary Clarence which ultimately went to Goldberg.

They came to me with Sister Act and I said, My fans dont want to see me in a wimple. Can you believe that? Midler said. Former Walt Disney Studios Chair Jeffrey Katzenberg called me every day: Please, please.

Midler, a three-time Grammy winner and two-time Academy Award nominee, had already showcased her acting chops in a number of movies, including 1979s The Rose and 1988s Beaches , by the time Sister Act began production. Still, she wouldnt be swayed.