Jimmy Kimmel Hosts Awards Show Without Finished Script

Because of the Writers Guild strike, late-night funnyman Jimmy Kimmel hosted the American Music Awards last night without the aid of a finished script. While the basics for Mr. Kimmel’s routine had been laid out before the strike got under way a few weeks ago, producing jokes about current events—a mainstay for any comedian, especially one hosting an awards show—was up to the late-night T.V. comic and his cuff. In lieu of the requisite opening monologue, Mr. Kimmel played a round of back-and-forth with some celebs in the audience, including Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler and Akon.

“This is going to be a little bit loose tonight because I’m a member of the Writers Guild and we’re on strike,” the host said to his audience, adding: “"It may not look like it, but I'm striking right now in my heart. I wasn't allowed to write any jokes for tonight. That's good for those of you sitting in the front row, but bad for you who have to sit through made-up crap."

Kimmel Ad-Libs Way Through Music Awards [AP via HuffPo]