Pulido started his own band with guitarist Gilbert Trejo, bassist Mike Fox, drummer and cousin Jimmy Montes, keyboardist Rey Gutierrez, and Frank Caballero serving as the band's accordionist. Initially, Pulido received criticism from veteran Tejano musicians, who believed the singer was "riding on the hard-earned reputation" of his father's established music career. In May 1995, Pulido signed a recording contract with EMI Latin and released his debut album "Desvelado" that September. Then-president of EMI Latin Jose Behar told "Billboard" the company had "high hopes" for the singer in the country music market. His debut single "No Se Por Que" peaked at number 33 on the United States "Billboard" Hot Latin Tracks chart in December 1995. "Desvelado" debuted at number 44 on the U.S. "Billboard" Top Latin Albums chart, the title track was second single released and debuted at number 21 on the U.S. "Billboard" Hot Latin Tracks chart in the week of February 3, 1996, and Pulido became a popular Tejano recording artist. In April 1996, the album peaked at number nine on the Top Latin Albums chart and number three on the U.S. "Billboard" Regional Mexican Albums chart. John Lannert of "Billboard" magazine called Pulido's chart position "impressive" and called the singer a "fast-rising artist". It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) the same year, signifying shipments of 100,000 units in the U.S. Pulido ended 1996 as the eighth best-selling regional Mexican artist and "Desvelado" ended the year as the eleventh best-selling regional Mexican album. The album reached sales of 100,000 units by the end of 1999. At the 1996 Tejano Music Awards, Pulido tied first place with Eddie Gonzales for Best New Rising Male Tejano Artists.