First-ever deaf contestant becomes last America's Next Top Model

26-year-old Nyle DiMarco was revealed as the winner of the show's series finale

The final show of popular TV series America's Next Top Model ended with an unexpected but heartwarming surprise as host Tyra Banks revealed the winner of this year's show.

Being the last season of the series, cycle 22 had a lot of firsts -- among them was contestant Nyle DiMarco, who was not only the first deaf contestant to participate in the show, but was also announced the winner during the series' finale on Friday.

PHOTO: DAILY MAIL

"I don't think I will ever be able to describe how I feel about being the first deaf contestant ever on the show who ultimately went all the way to the top... especially with possibly being the last winner of America's Next Top Model ever," the 26-year-old told Daily Mail Online.



"There are not enough words in the English dictionary," he added.

The New York native was approaced by the producers of the show after they saw him as a guest-star in a sitcom -- Switched at Birth.

PHOTO: DAILY MAIL

The 26-year-old model worked towards changing perceptions about people with his disability throughout the competition.



"I want to point out that this is not only about breaking barriers for the entire deaf community all over the world, but also about educating the world on what being deaf is truly all about - that it has a culture and a beautiful language, American Sign Language (ASL)," said Nyle.

PHOTO: DAILY MAIL

"I can already see the world moving forward, and I have to give a huge thank you to ANTM for giving me this platform. And, the best part is, I will not stop breaking down barriers," he added.



Nyle later took to Twitter to celebrate his victory:
https://twitter.com/NyleDiMarco/status/673011327527440384

Supermodel and host Tyra also took to Twitter to congratulate the unprecedented winner:
https://twitter.com/tyrabanks/status/673018772815409152