"They didn't think it was such a good idea," he said.
The label ultimately permitted him to join the competition after extensive discussions regarding his career goals.
"They were like: that's a bit too commercial. But I always wanted to go more in the pop and soul direction.
I thought: this could also be an opportunity," Goncalves said.
After weighing the options, he decided to move forward with the television appearance.
"They weren't very happy about it, but in the end they said: 'If you really think this is an opportunity you have to take, then you should do it,'" Goncalves said.
While competing on the show, Goncalves maintained a heavy work schedule that kept him isolated from the public's growing response to the series.
He balanced filming schedules with a daytime job at a legal assistance firm and evening shifts as a singing waiter at a local restaurant.
"I was living completely in my own bubble," Goncalves said.
He only became aware of his public recognition after his departure from the competition, when public outings became unmanageable.
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"I worked at Legal Aid and also in the evenings at a restaurant as a singing waiter," he said.
The loss of privacy became apparent during public appearances, including an incident at the TMF Awards where fans rushed toward him outside the venue entrance.
"I actually had no social life and no longer came into contact with the outside world.
