<P> Like the two previous seasons, cycle 22 featured both male and female contestants . However, for the first time since cycle 13, the height restriction was removed and the competition was opened to contestants at any height . Tyra Banks, Kelly Cutrone and J. Alexander returned to the judging panel, with photographer Yu Tsai remaining as creative director . Unlike the last three cycles, social media was no longer included on the show . The scoring system remained in place, but only the combined challenge and judges' scores were added into the final tally to determine who would be eliminated . </P> <P> While there was no international destination for this cycle, the models traveled to Las Vegas for two episodes . This is the second cycle in the series not to feature an international destination, after Cycle 13 . </P> <P> The winner of the competition was 25 - year - old Nyle DiMarco from Washington, D.C. DiMarco is noted for being the very first deaf contestant in the history of America's Next Top Model . </P> <P> Returning prizes included a modeling contract with NEXT Model Management and a spread in Nylon magazine . Zappos became a new prize for the series, and the winner was chosen for a US $100,000 contract to become the face of the Zappos Couture's 2016 re-launch . </P>

Who won season 22 america's next top model