CLEVELAND, OH – The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame today unveiled a groundbreaking new category, 'Music That Existed,' in a move critics are calling 'long overdue' and 'a desperate attempt to remain relevant.' The announcement comes as New Edition, Lauryn Hill, and Mariah Carey are among the latest nominees, prompting the Hall to formally acknowledge that its namesake genre is, at best, a suggestion.

“For years, we’ve struggled with the restrictive notion that 'rock and roll' must involve guitars, drums, or even a vague sense of rebellion,” stated Hall of Fame curator Dr. Evelyn Thorne, adjusting her spectacles. “Our new 'Music That Existed' category liberates us from such antiquated constraints. If it made noise and someone, somewhere, at some point, enjoyed it, it’s in. We’re even considering a sub-category for 'Sounds That Were Accidentally Recorded.'"

Bobby Brown, a nominee with New Edition, reportedly expressed his 'incredible' feelings about the recognition. “It’s about time they realized rock and roll isn’t just for guys in leather pants,” Brown told reporters, reportedly while wearing a bespoke silk suit. “It’s for guys who made people dance, cry, and occasionally wonder if they should call their ex. That’s rock and roll, baby.”

The expansion is expected to pave the way for future inductees ranging from Gregorian chants to the collected works of elevator music composers, ensuring the Hall of Fame will never run out of artists to honor, regardless of genre, instrument, or discernible connection to rock and roll.