'Dancing With the Stars': Meet Breakout Star Nyle DiMarco

The judges were in awe of the deaf model.

ByABC News
March 22, 2016, 10:24 AM

— -- Nyle DiMarco, a past winner on "America's Next Top Model," wowed the judges last night on "Dancing With the Stars," earning a score of 23 for the night.

Bruno Tonioli was shocked to find out that DiMarco is deaf, saying, "I’m telling you. You could be America’s next top dancer.”

Len Goodman, a notoriously tough judge on the show, was also impressed, calling the performance terrific.

DiMarco, a New York native, explained that he follows his partner Peta Murgatroyd with his eyes, while she dances to the beats.

After the show, a grateful DiMarco took to Instagram to thank everyone for their support.

"WOW. Just WOW. TONIGHT ON #DWTS WAS JUST AMAZING! I will CONTINUE TO MAKE NOISE!! #RedefiningDANCE," he wrote.

DiMarco won "Top Model" in 2015 and has been featured on other shows like "Switched At Birth."

Also earning a score of 23 on the season opener were Ginger Zee and Val Chmerkovskiy, and Wanya Morris and Lindsay Arnold. The three pairs were all tied for the lead.