Wanita "D. Woods" Woodgette (born July 6, 1983) is an American singer and actress. She is a former member of the girl group Danity Kane. On the October 14, 2008 season finale of Making the Band, it was declared that Woods was no longer a member of the group.
Woodgette was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, coining the nickname "D. Woods" (her middle initial and shortened surname) because she felt it was easier to pronounce and more memorable than her birth name. Developing a love for performing at an early age, and went on to attend Tri-Cities High School, a visual and performing arts magnet school in East Point, Georgia; she later attained formal dance training from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and acting instruction at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where she earned a B.F.A. in musical theatre.
Before joining Danity Kane, Woods appeared in the video "Change Clothes" by Jay-Z, where she was one of the models. She was discovered in 2005 on the second season of the MTV reality television program Making the Band 3, founded by Sean "Diddy" Combs. Danity Kane's first album debuted August 22, 2006 at #1;[1] the album has been successful since. Danity Kane, along with the Pussycat Dolls, toured as the opening act for Christina Aguilera.[2]
In December 2006, Woods was the lead girl in Lloyd's video "You". In 2007, she made an appearance in Gorilla Zoe's album Welcome to the Zoo, on the track "You Don't Know Me". In addition, Woods had a small cameo in the film Stomp the Yard.
On October 14, 2008, Combs declared Woods no longer a member of Danity Kane, as well as fellow bandmate and best friend Aubrey O'Day, following a heated discussion with Combs.[3] MTV News gauged fan reactions to the dismissal of Woods and O'Day. Fans have left empassioned, long and detailed comments on the MTV News site regarding their discontent about the breakup. They cite what they feel is a lack of individuality and excitement left due to the breakup as being one of the problems. "I still can't believe that [Combs] broke the group up," one fan stated. "Danity Kane will never be the same. I don't have a problem with any of the girls left, but I just think they're boring. The group needs personality and [Woods] and [O'Day] brought the personality in the group."[4]
With another season of Making the Band expected to air early next year, new members are expected to be chosen for Danity Kane as "replacements" for Woods and O'Day.[5] There are viewers and fans hoping that Combs reunites O'Day and Woods with the group before the choice is made.[4]