Katy Perry may be one of the top selling pop stars in the world, but she may need divine intervention if she wants to get a particular piece of luxury real estate in Los Angeles.
The singer reportedly signed a $14.5 million deal with Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez to buy a home that once served as a convent for the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Yet the nuns say that already sold the hilltop, villa-style property two weeks ago for $15.5 million to a restaurateur.
At one time, there were as many as 52 nuns living in the home. But after the diocese moved most of them to other locations, only five nuns remain at the convent, and they believe that the property is theirs to own and sell.
Perry tried to convince the owners that she should have the property, even meeting with the sisters and singing the gospel song “Oh Happy Day” to them. Some of the sisters were impressed, but Sister Rita Callahan wasn’t swayed by the Katy Perry she saw on the internet.
“Well, I found Katy Perry and I found her videos and… if it’s all right to say, I wasn’t happy with any of it,” the sister told the Los Angeles Times.
Although she’s now known for songs like “I Kissed a Girl” and “Roar,” Perry’s first album had actually been filled with contemporary Christian songs.
There’s no word on exactly what Perry will do if her offer on the home is approved. Chances are the property will need extensive updates of everything from custom bathroom vanities to a kitchen island; the latter feature is preferred by 61% of Americans surveyed.
The issue is further complicated because the diocese didn’t approve the initial sale by the nuns, which was a formal agreement. On May 20, the nuns agreed to sell the convent to Dana Hollister, who plans to turn the large building into a hotel, restaurant and bar.
Meanwhile, the diocese says the agreement is void and seems more interested in letting Perry have the property for $1 million less.
