Only after I left the show did I realize how famous I had become. I simply couldn't take public transport anymore.
That really wasn't possible anymore," Goncalves said.
Following his exit from the venue, he was quickly escorted to a vehicle as crowd noise grew.
"We walked out through the artist entrance and suddenly a whole group of people ran up to us.
I thought: what's going on? Has there been an accident?
Until someone said: 'I think they're coming for you,'" Goncalves said.
He left the scene immediately as onlookers shouted his name.
"I thought: this can't be true? We quickly got into the car and drove away.
Then someone said to me: 'You have to accept it. This is the new reality for now,'" Goncalves said.
Following his time on the show, Goncalves sustained a career in the international music industry, collaborating with dance act Chocolate Puma on the global track Always and Forever and living in Spain for a period.
He later performed in stage productions, taking on the lead role in the musical The Lion King, competing in the finals of Tribute Battle of the Band with an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute group, and joining the soul trio Soulm3n.
"I spent a lot of time working abroad back then.
I lived in Spain for a while and after that a whole new era actually started for me.
With Always and Forever we scored a big hit worldwide," Goncalves said.
Goncalves continues to release music and perform with various vocal groups.
"I always stay busy. I just really love music and enjoy coming up with new ideas all the time.
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Idols was a great learning experience for me," Goncalves said.
