What Happens When You Have An Awards Show With No Joke-Writers?

The TvDecoder at the New York Times has your answer. The American Music Awards, which was supposed to feature Jimmy Kimmel as host, had only a few unfunny appearances from the late night star. From TvDecoder:

"In the first national telecast of a live awards show since the beginning of the Hollywood writers’ strike, Mr. Kimmel was notable mainly by his absence: after his opening remarks and a brief funny-dancing bit, he did not reappear until 49 minutes into the show."