We discuss the spectral line shapes of N quantum dots in strong coupling with the single mode of a microcavity in the presence of a continuous, incoherent pumping. Nontrivial features in the response of the system are induced by detuning the emitters or probing the direct exciton emission spectrum. We describe dark states, quantum nonlinearities, emission dips, and interferences and show how these various effects may coexist, giving rise to highly peculiar line shapes.